Three more years: Sharks back Fitzy as coach to take ‘next step’ to premiership

The Cronulla Sharks have backed reigning head coach Craig Fitzgibbon as “the man to drive the club towards a second NRL premiership,” handing him a two-year contract extension to ensure stability remains at the heart of the club’s title drive.

The new contract for Fitzgibbon, who joined the Sharks ahead of the 2022 season, will see him remain at the Cronulla club until at least the end of 2029. The 48-year-old wasted no time accepting the Cronulla board’s new offer, with formal negotiations between the club and helmsman lasting barely two weeks before they got pen to paper on the deal.

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The Sharks are hoping that keeping Fitzgibbon in charge of a squad largely signed through to 2028 means they can carry their consistency beyond a preliminary final and into a grand final appearance – and potentially even a victory. Stars like Blayke Brailey, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, and KL Iro are among that core group.

Fitzgibbon has been in the Shire since 2022, leading the Sharks to 67 wins in his 108 NRL matches. Through the seasons, Fitzgibbon has guided his side to finals every year, even making two preliminary finals in 2024 and 2025.

“We have a talented and hard-working playing group, outstanding staff, and we’ve received strong support for what we are trying to achieve from the board, led by Steve Mace, and from Dino Mezzatesta and the management,” Fitzgibbon said.

Cronulla’s coach continued: “I’m grateful for the opportunity and stability, and I’m excited to continue our development together. The journey is ongoing, I have faith in what we are doing and what we’ve been able to achieve so far and look forward to creating stronger connections and a successful environment, both for this current season and for the years to come.”

Sharks chair Steve Mace said he was thrilled to be able to lock down the current coach. “Myself, the board, and management are confident in our belief Craig is the man to drive the club towards a second NRL premiership,” he said.

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“Fitzy has already positioned the Sharks as a consistent contender, with four finals appearances, including two preliminary finals, an indication of how close we are. With his drive to succeed, the culture and squad he has built, alongside the coaching and support team he has assembled. We have no doubt he is the man to take us forward and to take that next step.”

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Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta added, “Stability, especially when experiencing the level of success and when considering how close we are to achieving our goals, is crucial. Craig has helped to create a winning culture here.”

Fitzgibbon’s Sharks are looking to avoid a third straight loss when they play in Canberra on Sunday.