Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon wasn’t making excuses in one of the shortest press conferences of the year following his side’s disappointing 42-16 loss to the Roosters.
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The Sharks were heavy favourites after beating the Storm last week and coming up against an Origin depleted Roosters side, but they never looked likely in a flat display in Gosford.
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Fitzgibbon paid credit to the Roosters where it was due, but was annoyed his team didn’t show more spirit and fight in a press conference that lasted just 80 seconds.
“It was (disappointing), back to earth with a thud that’s for sure,” Fitzgibbon said.
“They were terrific and then the energy they started with caught us on the hop and then discipline, field position and points and we couldn’t get that back up and never looked like making it back up to be honest.
“I thought they out-enthused us the whole night.
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“We sort of felt like it might be coming with Radley’s 150th, a couple of debutants and Origin players missing, so you know they were going to be up and I just didn’t think we were up for the fight really.
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“We have been really consistent this year. We have been in every game, except for tonight.”
Fitzgibbon conceded his side were nowhere near ready to match the Roosters on the night, but stopped short of making excuses for his team, preferring to credit the opposition.
“It was largely their performance would be one and then two maybe coming down after last week,” Fitzgibbon said.
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“But I don’t want to make excuses to be honest. We got outperformed and it was a real attitude check for us that we are going to have to work on.
“We have got a bye and a lot of guys need to dust themselves off and come back ready for business.”
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Ronaldo Mulitalo is facing a suspension for a high tackle on Mark Nawaqanitawase, but Fitzgibbon wouldn’t be drawn into commenting on the late hit.
“That’s the last of what I am thinking about at this stage,” Fitzgibbon said.
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