{
  "id": 8541449,
  "title": "Cronulla's last step in the NRL finals always seems their longest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/cronullas-last-step-in-the-nrl-finals-always-seems-their-longest",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T21:15:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-20/nrl-finals-sydney-roosters-cronulla-sharks-defeat/107172732"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The final step towards the NRL premiership for the Cronulla Sharks has consistently proven to be the most challenging. After a 46-10 loss to the Roosters, their season came to an end. This year marked their fifth consecutive finals series and fourth time extending the run beyond the second week. This level of consistency under Craig Fitzgibbon has been remarkable, with the Sharks playing more finals games than Gold Coast and Wests Tigers combined in the last 20 years. However, reaching the finals consistently has come with a cost. Despite being good enough to be in contention, the Sharks seldom rise to the very top. They understand what a premiership-winning team looks like, as they have faced multiple top teams in each finals series. But, their elusive elusive nature of attaining the glory remains despite their regular season performances being one of the best in the league. This defeat to the Roosters marked a heavy loss, being their most lopsided defeat in recent times, amplified by the absence of key players like Nicho Hynes and a tired, depleted squad. The team appears outmatched and outgunned, struggling to execute their usual deliberate and consistent attack that often converts pressure into points. The Sharks are set for a period of change over the summer, with Sione Katoa, Jesse Ramien, Siosifa Talakai and Cam McInnes leaving the club. Despite the changes, the Sharks still possess talent, tenacity and a strong desire to succeed. However, to claim the elusive premiership, they need to find something extra, something they have not yet discovered but desperately seek.",
  "summary": "Plenty of teams would kill for the sustained finals appearances Cronulla have found in recent years, but after falling short again the Sharks could be on the cusp of the change they need.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Cronulla's last step in the NRL finals always seems their longest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/cronullas-last-step-in-the-nrl-finals-always-seems-their-longest-8541889",
        "published": "2026-09-19T21:15:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}