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Sharks shock reigning premiers to prove they have title credentials

(Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)

Cronulla claim they can see the path to mounting a serious challenge in the finals after taking it to Penrith early in their 20-10 loss to the defending premiers.

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The Sharks let an early 10-0 lead slip in the defeat, as the Panthers came from behind at halftime on Saturday to win for the first time this year,

But there was still plenty to like for a Cronulla side who finish the round in third spot.

The Panthers scored only three tries despite having the bulk of the ball, as the Sharks repelled their attacks for the majority of the final 60 minutes of the match.

Ultimately, Cronulla proved their own worst enemy with poor errors regularly made out of their own end, as coach Craig Fitzgibbon conceded fatigue became an issue.

But after beating understrength Melbourne and North Queensland sides in recent weeks, there is now clear proof they can take it to the competition’s elite.

“We trained with intent this week, our attitude has been spot on, we have been building with performance and were ready to test ourselves,” Fitzgibbon said.

“They’re all things that you have to get out of a footy team to be good at the end of the year. We will take a lot out of that.

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“But there are things we know we have to work on with execution.

“We just want to catch earlier, pass better, be a little deeper in attack. Get our timing right.

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“They’re small adjustments to make sure we mount pressure, then I will be confident.”

Meanwhile, the Sharks were adamant that Dale Finucane would have nothing to worry about, after his sickening head clash with Stephen Crichton.

Crichton required an appointment with a plastic surgeon with his ear torn apart, after Finucane rushed out of the line and made head-first contact with the centre.

Penrith have since questioned why, at the very least, a penalty was not blown, particularly given the NRL’s crackdown on head contact in recent years.

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But Cronulla were confident the right call was made not to penalise Finucane, and he would not be charged by the match review committee.

“It was a big head clash,” Fitzgibbon said.

“His arms did come up pretty spectacularly after it, but I thought it was a pretty flush head-on tackle for me.”

Meanwhile, the Sharks were also unhappy that Viliame Kikau was not penalised for what they claimed was a shoulder charge on Connor Tracey in the final six minutes.

With the match in the balance at 14-10 to the Panthers, a penalty would have put the Sharks on the attack but they were instead forced to battle out of their own end.

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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