Craig Fitzgibbon has declared the Sharks will “shut our mouths” after they “got nothing tonight”, hinting he believes his side were on the wrong end of refereeing decisions.
Cronulla dumped the Roosters out of the 2025 finals series with a 20-10 win on Saturday evening, booking a semi final against the loser of the Raiders and Broncos clash.
The Sharks were given three penalties to the Roosters’ four, while Trent Robinson’s side were also handed three set restarts to Cronulla’s one.
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And Fitzgibbon made it clear in his post-match press conference, he believed the Sharks got the short end of the stick.
“I felt like we have been building, doing the right things that it takes to win big games of footy. We sort of built that and then put a few together,” he said.
“Tonight it (came) together. It wasn’t without challenges for sure, we got nothing tonight.”
Fitzgibbon was then pressed on that claim, with the Sharks coach hinting his side should have been on the receiving end of more penalties.
“Yeah, a little bit. We were more frustrated than anything else, like why don’t we get those opportunities?” Fitzgibbon said.
“It’s crazy. But it is what it is, we will do what the Sharks do mate. We will shut our mouths, carve out our work and turn up next week and see how we go.”
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Heading into their elimination final, the Sharks had won only one of five finals appearances, with their post-season record being a consistent talking point in recent years.
However, Fitzgibbon was of the belief this Cronulla side has developed after overcoming the disappointment, and learnings, that come with finals losses.
“I feel like everyone’s story or journey has got some highlight moments, but it’s got some pain in it,” he said.
“We’ve experienced a fair bit of pain in the last few years. Yeah I do, I think they’re different. I don’t think anyone has noticed.
“But again, we will shut our mouths, we will get ready for next week. It is not over yet, we feel like we’ve got more to offer.”
When pressed on how his side have evolved, Fitzgibbon explained it all comes down to grit and determination to win.
“If we are ever going to get flustered we would have tonight,” he said.
“We were nowhere for a long period there, we were throwing down and going. They are so physical, nothing went our way.
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“No field position, no good ball, no anything. We just didn’t flinch, it was impressive for that.”
Meanwhile, front rower Toby Rudolf enjoyed a crowning moment, scoring a try with five minutes remaining which sealed the win in front of the Shark Park faithful.
The 29-year-old has played 15 games this season, but has battled with several injuries in recent years.
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“With Toby, I reckon every team has injuries, periods where you miss players. But some are more valuable than others,” Fitzgibbon said.
“We barely have had Hazo (Tom Hazelton) and Toby together the whole year and we’ve got them back and they are showing their capabilities.
“So happy for Toby, he has driven me mad for 3.9 years and delivered. He’s actually, as far as players go, one of our most selfless players.
“He’s a fantastic player and I reckon he is underestimated, and for him to have a moment in the sun is great.”
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