The more things change the more they stay the same at Cronulla.

The second evolution of the gang tackle and the departure of several experienced campaigners will force coach Chris Anderson to field a vastly new-look, and youthful, Sharks team during the 2003 National Rugby League season.

Yet the goal remains as it as for 36 long and frustrating years for the Sharks - to secure the club's maiden first grade premiership.

To fans not in the know, unfamiliar names like Nick Youngquest, Don Tweddle and Shaun Wessel will hardly inspire confidence that this will be the year for The Shire.

"They're probably unknowns now, but Chris's theory is they start as unknowns now and he turns them into champions," Cronulla captain Brett Kimmorley said optimistically at the club's season launch.

Kimmorley ought to know.

The 26-year-old goalkicking halfback proved Anderson's trump card in similar surroundings at Melbourne in 1999 and his class will again be crucial to Cronulla's cause in his second season at the club.

A lack of belief come finals time has been the death of Cronulla for many a season, and Kimmorley and Anderson have taken it upon themselves to rid the Sharks of the cancer.

Ask Anderson what qualities he wants to fill his newcomers with and the response will be swift.

"Winning qualities," he said.

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