Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has questioned his side’s commitment after the Sharks suffered a damaging 24-16 defeat against the last-placed St George Illawarra Dragons.
The Dragons produced their strongest defensive performance of the season at Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, snapping Cronulla’s six-game winning streak and breathing life into their battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
According to Fox Sports’ match report, Fitzgibbon was furious with the Sharks’ attitude after they failed to capitalise on several opportunities.
“We had a few things going on today but that’s what happens when you’re not fair dinkum,” Fitzgibbon said.
Cronulla entered the contest as overwhelming favourites but repeatedly struggled to break down a committed Dragons defensive line.
Young Dragons deliver statement victory
The Dragons completed 84 per cent of their sets and survived several periods of sustained Cronulla pressure before Setu Tu crossed for the match-sealing try in the 77th minute.
Ryan Couchman led an immense defensive effort with 67 tackles and 148 running metres, while Jacob Liddle made 56 tackles and registered a line break.
Clint Gutherson was influential from fullback, finishing with 201 metres from 26 runs and seven tackle breaks.
The performance provided further evidence that the club’s faith in its emerging players may eventually be rewarded. Before the season, The Sporting Base identified the Dragons’ young guns as the key to accelerating the club’s rebuild.
Hamish Stewart was among the standouts, producing 42 tackles and 78 running metres before being collected high by Addin Fonua-Blake late in the contest.
Dragons coach Dean Young delivered an enormous assessment of Stewart following the victory.
“He’s a special talent and it wouldn’t shock me if Kevvie Walters picks him in the Australian tour at the end of the year, he’s that good,” Young said.
“[Stewart] is a bloke that can play edge backrow and middle just as good with his skill set. He’s got a big future and it’s going to be at the Dragons.”
Young has recently secured the position beyond his interim stint, with the Dragons appointing him as their permanent head coach.
Fonua-Blake faces nervous wait
Fonua-Blake was sent to the sin bin in the 68th minute after the Bunker intervened over his high, no-arms contact on Stewart.
The incident was missed during live play before the Bunker advised referee Wyatt Raymond to review it. Fonua-Blake was placed on report and faces scrutiny from the NRL Match Review Committee.
No charge or suspension had been confirmed at the time of publication.
Cronulla were also dealt a potential injury blow when Jesse Ramien left the field during the second half with a suspected pectoral injury.
“I’m not sure [of] the extent of the injury yet. That’ll hurt,” Fitzgibbon said.
Ramien will require scans to determine the severity of the problem.
Hynes’ record pursuit ends
Nicho Hynes endured a frustrating afternoon, missing his first conversion attempt after Sione Katoa’s opening try.
The miss ended Hynes’ streak at 32 consecutive successful kicks, leaving Hazem El Masri’s premiership record of 35 intact.
It was a disappointing setback for a Sharks side that had entered the season determined to convert its recent finals appearances into a premiership. Hynes previously said reaching the grand final remained “always the end goal” for Cronulla.
Cronulla remain fourth on 32 competition points but sit ahead of the Dolphins only through points differential. Their run home features matches against Canberra, Gold Coast, Parramatta and Melbourne.
For the Dragons, just their third victory of the season will not dramatically change their position on the ladder. However, the performance offered compelling evidence that Young’s youthful rebuild is beginning to produce results.
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