2009 saw Cronulla dogged by poor results, off-field antics and financial strife but it's a year the players are more than ready to forget, according to Trent Barrett.

The Sharks avoided the wooden spoon by one place last year but a healthy off-season recruitment drive will give them every chance in 2010, says the former Wigan five-eighth.

"We were tipped to finish at the top and we finished at the bottom, this year we are tipped to finish last so hopefully we can finish first… Well that’s the way I’m looking at it,” said Barrett.

“There’s no pressure, we just have to rip in and we’ve got Melbourne first up so there’s no better way to start the year with a good challenge.”

The Sharks have been active in the transfer market bringing in Parramatta quartet Albert Kelly, Broderick Wright, Nathans Gardner and Taulima Tautai.

Also headed for the shire are Wests Tigers due Dean Collis and John Morris as well as Paul Aiton (Penrith) and Siosaia Vave (Gold Coast.)

“It can only get better," added Barrett.

"A lot of things that happened last year were out of our control with things away from footy. It didn’t really worry us but we stuck together and we have great coaching staff who were exceptional."

“We’ve made some changes in the front office and from the outside looking in it's going really well and looking very professional. All we can do is play our best footy and stay determined no matter what.”

“We’re a bit luckier this year with quite a number of players able to play in different positions,” Barrett said.

“So we have some options there to work with and form a few combinations and having the trials will only help that cause.”

“It’s been enjoyable. It’s always good for an older player to have young faces around and to see them doing well and their enthusiasm around the place makes it much more exciting.”

Although there are plenty of new faces, Barrett will be hoping for luck most of all.

He added: “Well we’re due for some, so hopefully some can come our way.”