Premiers regroup after defeat
SHARKS captain Paul Gallen has revealed the players have held a meeting to discuss how to get the club’s premiership defence back on track after the loss to Canberra on the weekend.
Gallen said the defeat was “one of our worst performances in the past couple of years”.
The veteran plays his 300th game on Friday night as Cronulla aims to stay in the top four with a win over third-placed Brisbane.
Gallen revealed coach Shane Flanagan spoke his mind about Saturday’s defeat and was well within his rights to bag his players.
“Flanno let a lot of us know what he thought, which is fair enough. That’s his job and it’s up to us as a playing group to respond to that,” Gallen (pictured) said.
“We had a good meeting yesterday internally – just the boys – and spoke about where we think we’re at.
“Fingers crossed we can get out there on Friday night and show our resolve, show that we are a tough side and get out there and play well.”
Gallen said Saturday’s loss reminded him of how the team dropped off a little last year before regrouping and winning its final six regular-season games.
He said a win over the Broncos would rekindle the spirit of last year’s successful campaign.
“I just want to drive into these boys that we’ve got an opportunity to do well this year,” he said. “We’ve got a good side and we’ve got to make the most of it.”
Five-eighth James Maloney is certain to return from a hand injury after training yesterday, but Jack Bird is out with a shoulder complaint.
Kurt Capewell is set to deputise for Bird in the centres.