Disappointment again for Sharks

Cronulla fans are well accustomed to false dawns, having gone 42 years and counting as they wait to taste premiership success.

No team has played more competition matches – over 1000 – without picking up the trophy and doing a lap of honour on Grand Final day.

Jason Stevens' vow of celibacy pales into insignificance compared to Cronulla's drought.

So seeing their team on the bottom of the table is nothing hardened Sharks fans can't handle.

They've grown accustomed to disappointment. Half expect it, in fact.

They just want to know why – after topping the table with Manly and Melbourne just seven months ago – things have slumped so dramatically.

Injuries and suspensions have played a role but that's only part of the problem.

With the exception of Ben Ross and Brett Kearney, the team to play Souths on Friday night is close to the best Cronulla can put on the park.

But it could have been so much better.

Sharks fans are still trying to work out why Brett Kimmorley was let go.

Why one of the best half-backs in the NRL just walked free when he was keen to stay and was coming off a tremendous season with scrum-base partner Brett Seymour.

Trent Barrett arrives after two years in England with his best footy behind him.

Barrett's commitment can never be questioned but he has struggled to adapt to the quicker pace of the NRL.

Each man-of-the-match award 'Noddy' picks up at the Bulldogs is a painful reminder of what the Sharks have lost.

Like running into your ex and her new man every time you set foot in your local.

Kimmorley's departure is said to have more to do with a falling out with coach Ricky Stuart than anything form-related.

If so, let's at least hear an explanation.

Ditto Isaac De Gois.

The talented hooker escapes to Newcastle and in his place comes the tough but ponderous Corey Hughes.

A VW for a Ferrari.

Again, no word on why this was allowed to happen.

Meanwhile, Anthony Tupou lobs as cover for Greg Bird.

An adequate replacement but again, arguably, a trade down.

Reni Maitua is added over the summer and suddenly Cronulla has more back-rows than Hoyt's when it's centres and wingers they really need.

The Sharks will – probably with some justification - cite the salary cap as a reason for losing players they want to keep.

It's impossible to keep everyone.

Cronulla supporters just want to know the thought process behind some of the decisions - why good players have escaped without much of a fight while lesser talent remains.

After waiting patiently since 1967 to sing Up, Up Cronulla on Grand Final day, it's the least they deserve.