A rugby union legend has joined the Sharks’ coaching staff in a move designed to get the most out of halves Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
French rugby champion Frederic Michalak has joined Craig Fitzgibbon’s staff as an assistant coach, signing a contract until the end of 2028.
A flyhalf who played 77 international caps for France in the 15-man code, the Sharks will be hoping Michalak’s creativity and big-game experience will rub off on Trindall and Hynes in Cronulla’s run to the finals.
On Saturday, they face a sturdy test against a red-hot Dolphins team in Queensland.
Michalak forged a relationship with Fitzgibbon when the pair worked as coaches at the Roosters under Trent Robinson in 2021. Before joining the Sharks, Michalak worked as the attack coach of French rugby club Racing 92.
“I can help in different strategic ways, but also in technique, you know, on an individual process and also how the emotion of the player can come into your process. So I will try to work with Nicho, with Trindall and with all the players,” Michalak told Code Sports.
“They’re two good players, they like to move the ball, they like to create things and I think especially in a chaos they are very adaptable.
“The accuracy on their passing and their kicking are very good. They can definitely progress, more on playing a long game, so that’s something we will try to work together.”
Frederic Michalak in action for France during his playing days.Source: Getty Images
Michalak has liked what he’s seen from Cronulla’s halves duo, with Trindall and Hynes arguably in season-best form at the minute.
“I think the most important thing for me now is to observe the way they work,” he said.
“I’ll film all the kicking and look for the character and have a maximum amount of feedback with them. I think this team will win a big competition.”
The Sharks will catch the in-form Dolphins at less than full strength, with Kristian Woolf electing to rest several of his Origin stars.
The Sharks meanwhile will be without just one of their three Origin reps. Briton Nikora is out but Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake will back up.
TEAMS
Dolphins team: 1. Trai Fuller 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Tevita Naufahu 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Brad Schneider 8. Felise Kaufusi 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Francis Molo 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Morgan Knowles 14. Kurt Donoghoe 16. Tom Gilbert 17. Sebastian Su’a 18. Brian Pouniu 19. John Fineanganofo 23. Max Plath 24. Thomas Flegler
Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. KL Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 22. Blayke Brailey 23. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Hohepa Puru 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Mawene Hiroti 20. Niwhai Puru 9. Jayden Berrell
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW! CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE!