In the process, Cronulla slumped out of the 2026 premiership race and Nicho Hynes\u2019 head knock in the opening stages of the contest shaped as a hammer blow.<\/p>\n
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WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n The marquee halfback got his head in an awkward position while attempting to tackle Salesi Foketi, failing his head injury assessment which ended his night.<\/p>\n As his players soaked in their finals exit, Fitzgibbon revealed that Hynes apologised to his teammates and coach post-match.<\/p>\n \u201cHe just went out there and went head first for the first collision he could get and (the) timing was wrong, but it\u2019s just a sign of how much he wanted it,\u201d Fitzgibbon said.<\/p>\n \u201cCost him dearly but he just apologised. He knows that he had a moment that he (had) an opportunity for tonight which was important to him and us.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, went wrong, but can handle that when you go in first and you\u2019re that committed for the team and club that that\u2019s important to you.\u201d<\/p>\n PLAYER RATINGS<\/p>\n SHARKS: Surprise weakness under the microscope; shining light stands tall<\/a><\/p>\n ROOSTERS: DCE\u2019s epic reply to critics… as new weapon emerges<\/a><\/p>\n “They’ve missed a HUGE opportunity!” | 10:03<\/p>\n As for how Fitzgibbon summed up his team\u2019s performance, the Sharks coach explained that the loss was the result of the \u201cprice of the first half\u201d.<\/p>\n Alongside Hynes, centre Mawene Hiroti also suffered a PCL injury at around the 20-minute mark after colliding with an advertising board while chasing a Braydon Trindall chip.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat possibly could have went wrong went wrong and then it was like a \u2018hang on\u2019 energy for the rest of the game where, you know, six again was the last tackle,\u201d Fitzgibbon explained.<\/p>\n \u201cJust errors from us. Obviously didn\u2019t adjust for losing Nicho and \u2018Ma\u2019 very well, you know, like just lost a bit of cohesion and a bit of a planning went astray there.<\/p>\n \u201cThen they were terrific too… they were too strong for us tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/p>\n Roosters rise after brutal Sharks blow | 19:37<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Fitzgibbon held his tongue when quizzed on one key moment in the clash \u2014 Daly Cherry-Evans\u2019 trip on Teig Wilton.<\/p>\n The Sharks back rower was in the process of charging towards the try line until his run was impeded by the Roosters halfback\u2019s outstretched foot.<\/p>\n A penalty was awarded and the veteran playmaker remained on the field.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I going to possibly say at this point? That\u2019s six weeks straight of… we can\u2019t get it back,\u201d Fitzgibbon said.<\/p>\n Fitzgibbon also mentioned his team have \u201cbeen up for five years now with the same group of guys\u201d since his arrival as head coach in 2022.<\/p>\n Under his tutelage, the Sharks have been a consistent presence in September without translating their finals appearances into results.<\/p>\n