David Fifita 'very lucky' to avoid sin bin after being put on report for shoulder charge
The Titans have been dealt a double blow from their 36-6 loss to the Sharks with Kieran Foran ruled out at half-time and David Fifita put on report.
According to Manly assistant coach Shane Flanagan, Fifita was "very lucky" to have not been sent to the sin bin for his shot. Teammate Erin Clark did cop major punishment though when he was given his marching orders for striking Nicho Hynes following the penalty in the second half.
"There was no contact with (Braden) Hamlin-Uele's head so he was very, very lucky ... still a shoulder charge," he said on Fox League.
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"It would've been a big decision to send Erin Clark and Fifita off into the sin bin at the same time."
David Fifita was put on report for this shoulder charge. Kayo
Fifita is now awaiting a verdict from the match review committee's judiciary report.
It makes for a bittersweet few days after it was announced in the lead-up that Fifita re-signed with the club for three years on a deal believed to be worth $3 million.
The bad news continued for the Gold Coast with Foran captured on the sideline with ice around his ribs after he failed to return at half-time.
Post-game, interim coach Jim Lenihan confirmed the five-eighth came into the game with a sternum complaint.
Kieran Foran suffered a rib injury in his side's loss. Kayo
Cronulla had its own injury concerns early in the game with Ronaldo Mulitalo limping and clutching at a knee following his first try of the night.
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The winger managed to move past his injury, and in the 17th minute his side had a 10-0 lead with Connor Tracey going over.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - who also re-signed - put his side back in the game moments later, beating multiple Sharks defenders.
From there, the Sharks ran in two tries before half-time to lead 20-6 with Mulitalo and Cameron McInnes scoring.
After the break, Cronulla's rampage continued as Wade Graham, Toby Rudolf and Jesse Ramien all crossed the try-line.
Cronulla has now moved back into the top four with the victory.
Next week the Sharks will play North Queensland on Thursday while the Titans will face the Panthers on Saturday.
