Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon admits the Sharks’ defence remains a work in progress, despite an improved performance in the 24-12 win over a Hammer-less Dolphins to kick off NRL Round 19.
“Six weeks ago we were second in the NRL for defence and we’ve just had a really poor month, particularly on last plays,” Fitzgibbon said after the Dolphins match at Shark Park.
“We’ve had to steer off worrying about attack too much lately, I think before the bye against Melbourne we were far better defensively and we still ended up losing 30-6—it knocks your confidence around.
“Tonight was a much better defensive performance, but it shows how quick things can change in the NRL,” he continued.
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“We stepped a little in the right direction last week (against the Storm) and again tonight, but it still needs some work.”
‘I thought Nicho was strong’
Fitzgibbon was also pleased to see his number seven Nicho Hynes return to form with a try double, including the decisive score in the 74th minute to end a late Dolphins comeback.
“I thought he (Hynes) was strong, he didn’t try to overdo everything, he kept it simple,” Fitzgibbon said.
“It was nice for him to have a few moments.”
Asked if heavy criticism during the Sharks’ recent poor run of results had affected his star halfback, Fitzgibbon suggested it may have actually had a silver lining for the 2022 Dally M Medal winner.
“Nicho has been through plenty (of criticism), but I think it’s been a lesson for him, it’s given him more resilience and resolve, he’s not letting it affect him anymore,” he said.
Friday night’s win sees the Sharks move back into the NRL top eight, at least for now, leapfrogging the Panthers and Dolphins.