A frustrated Shane Flanagan admits he’s angered by the timing of Cronulla’s salary cap drama less than two weeks out from the NRL’s finals.
The Sharks will play their first game since the scandal broke against Canterbury on Sunday, as they aim to wrap up a top-four spot.
Only a calamity will see the Sharks miss out on a second chance in the finals, likely needing just to avoid a defeat by 28 points or more at ANZ Stadium against the in-form Bulldogs.
But the Sharks coach was confident his group wouldn’t be distracted by the issue.
“I’m angry because it came at a bad time for us. But it’s better to get this out of the way and concentrate on footy,” Flanagan said.
“I’ve got a strong group of players. The external noise has been a lot the last couple of days. There’s not a lot we can do about it.
“We’ve got a good group of players, good staff, and the club is making sure that we leave no stone unturned to make sure we have a good crack in the semi-finals.”
Cronulla’s group have become well adept at dealing with adversity in recent years, having made the 2013 finals series amid heavy scrutiny during the ASADA scandal.
Flanagan also claimed the matter had been blown out of proportion in the past week, after the Sharks reported a discrepancy in a third-party deal deal believed in 2015.
Flanagan on Friday indicated that centred around a “minimal-dollar” third-party deal for former Shark Chris Heighington in 2015. There is no suggestion he acted improperly or had any knowledge of any potential issues.
The Cronulla coach also backed the decision of management to self-report the matter to the NRL, denying suggestions of any rift between he and new chief executive Barry Russell.
“The club made a decision to report it no matter how minor or how major, I believe they have done the right thing,” he said.
“It’s caused us a lot of grief but you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
“The club made that decision and good on them, it’s nowhere near where it’s been reported.”
STATS THAT MATTER
* Cronulla have won their past four over Canterbury, all by six points or less.
* Canterbury average the fewest points (3.3) in the last 20 minutes of matches.
* Canterbury have won four of their past five, after winning four of their first 18.
Stats: Fox Sports Stats