Craig Fitzgibbon believes the possibility of a mass exodus from Cronulla can inspire the Sharks to finally leap into NRL premiership heavyweight status this season.
Preparing for a first clash with ex-protege Josh Hannay, Fitzgibbon has already broached the subject of turnover with a playing group that has become accustomed to roster stability.
Eight members of Cronulla's 19 for the round-one clash against Hannay's Gold Coast are without deals beyond this year, including Jesse Ramien, Will Kennedy and Braden Uele.
Ex-NSW utility Sifa Talakai has already signed with forthcoming 18th franchise Perth in what could be just the first high-profile exit from a Sharks side fighting to keep the band together.
"It's part of the deal, it happens to some clubs at times," Fitzgibbon said.
"We're proud of ourselves for developing (Talakai) as a player, for him to go and have a contract like that and look after his family. He wanted to stay, so it hurts."
Penrith memorably framed the 2024 season as their "last ride" with departing trio Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva and James Fisher-Harris and went on to win a fourth consecutive premiership.
Fitzgibbon suggested the Sharks could use the possibility of high turnover to their advantage.
"It can be a real strength," Fitzgibbon said.
"It's been discussed internally but we wanted to bring it up, address it, so we can put it to bed and get back to business.
"All the boys that are off contract or may leave, they're all Sharks this year.
"They're a tight group, they've been together for a long time now. We'd like to think we can use that to our advantage."
The Sharks have made a preliminary final the past two seasons but 2026 marks a decade since their last grand final appearance, having broken through for a drought-busting title in 2016.
"Consistency is important, as you know," Fitzgibbon said of plans to reach the next level.
"We've got to find another level, but there's no point worrying about another level, we've got to get back to the one we're at."
Fitzgibbon has cut contact with new Gold Coast boss Hannay for the week ahead of Saturday's clash at Shark Park.
Hannay takes on his first full-time head-coaching role after interim stints with North Queensland and Cronulla, and experience as an assistant at the Sharks and Queensland.
His Titans won both their pre-season games.
"It looks like he's had an impact on the club, which was as expected. He's a very good coach.," Fitzgibbon said.
"We wish him all the best, just not this week."
