Over the next month,the Sharks have a golden chance to shake their tag as flat-track bullies – and their star man can prove he belongs at Origin level.
The day started with Cronulla’s CEO buying pumps and hoses to drain the pitch at a flooded Shark Park,and ended with the home side getting the better of their old coach.
Cronulla remain at the top of the table following a hard-earned win over the Dragons at PointsBet Stadium.
The fearless Cronulla captain says he has received more than 300 stitches to the eyebrows that have split at least 50 times.
Ricky Stuart celebrated his 500th match as coach but Cronulla spoiled the party with a Nicho Hynes-inspired 40-0 romp.
The Sharks were textbook against the Raiders,while he Knights withstood a late flurry to record their third win of the season.
The Sharks half is unlikely to play before he faces court on May 17,and the NRL will likely impose a ban for bringing the game into disrepute after the case is complete.
The Sharks star celebrated the win over the Cowboys on Sunday night by partying with teammates. The next morning he recorded a mid-range alcohol reading and a positive test to an illicit substance.
After 13 seasons with the Bulldogs,the Storm and the Sharks,Dale Finucane announced his medical retirement at 32 after suffering repeated concussions.
Sam Stonestreet scored a first NRL try in front of his family and friends in a thumping Cronulla win as Kalyn Ponga was injured for the Knights in a big loss to the Bulldogs.
The old rugby league saying that wingers hang out with footballers should surely be consigned to history after their Superman acts to start the season.