Cronulla entered 2025 with expectations of finally breaking through after three straight finals disappointments under Craig Fitzgibbon.
With the recruitment of Addin Fonua-Blake to bolster an already formidable forward pack, and a backline stacked with strike weapons, the Sharks were considered one of the premiership dark horses.
The lingering question was always their spine. Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes and Blayke Brailey had been a solid unit, but doubts persisted over whether they could deliver a title.
Kennedy in particular carried pressure into his contract year as he played with the hopes of a new deal.
By mid-season, he was in career-best form and topping the Dally-M leaderboard, doing his best to silence critics who still wonder if he's the long-term solution at fullback.
Brailey assumed the captaincy late in the season after Cam McInnes' devastating ACL rupture, and his control of the game from dummy-half became one of Cronulla's key assets in their run to September.
Fonua-Blake lived up to the hype, immediately proving his worth in the middle-third and giving the Sharks a platform to compete with the NRL's heavyweights.
On the edges, Sione Katoa, Ronaldo Mulitalo, KL Iro and Jesse Ramien continued to excel, giving Fitzgibbon's side both dynamic set starts and finishing abilities.
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How a mid-season reset sparked the Sharks finals charge
The Sharks endured a rocky mid-season stretch that threatened to derail their campaign, conceding 30-points in back-to-back games against the Broncos and Storm.
Fitzgibbon labelled the performance against Brisbane "unacceptable" and the trip to Melbourne, although showing glimpses of what they were capable of, ended in another dramatic defeat.
Those games propelled them into the bye, from there, the Sharks tightened up and surged into the finals, winning nine of their last ten games.
Cronulla's September journey began at the much-maligned Sharks Stadium. Its capacity issues and crumbling facilities had been the subject of headlines all year.
However, the club's loyal fanbase created a hostile environment for the elimination final against the Roosters.
The Sharks prevailed in a gritty performance, setting up a trip to Canberra. Cronulla would go on to dominate a battered Raiders outfit, booking their spot in the preliminary finals.
But the Storm in Melbourne proved to be a bridge too far. In a game where composure and execution reigned supreme, Craig Bellamy's side suffocated the Sharks.
Cronulla fought bravely, but their premiership dream ended with a 22-14 defeat at AAMI Park.
What's next for the Cronulla Sharks?
Cronulla's 2025 season ended one step short of the grand final for a second straight year, yet it felt like the team made strides.
It's still up for debate whether Fitzgibbon's side did enough to shake the 'chokers' tag that's followed them over the past few seasons.
They did win two do-or-die games as underdogs, but until they break through the preliminary final ceiling, the heat will continue.
The Sharks are yet to make a signing for next season, and will lose Daniel Atkinson and Kade Dykes to rival clubs.
Cronulla is significantly invested in the futures of Trindall, Hynes and Brailey, who have all been locked up long-term.
With a slew of big contracts on their books, it may be difficult to tinker with their current top-30, forcing them to re-load with the same group.
The Sharks are close; and after being hardened by the heartbreak of another early finals exit, a breakthrough could just be a matter of patience.