Fitzgibbon admits Sharks need to address slow start amid third-straight loss

Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has admitted whilst his side’s slow starts in 2024 have been concerning they are not at a critical point yet as they slumped to yet another loss.

The Sharks went down to the Gold Coast Titans 20-16 on Friday night in what is their fifth loss in six games and their third-straight defeat.

Heading into the halftime break down 12-0 and not scoring their first try until the 47th minute, the Sharks shot themselves in the foot with another slow start which eventually cost them a chance to steal the win late.

It’s been a sight all too familiar for Sharks’ fans this year and despite the negative trend, Fitzgibbon still has hope for his side to fix it in time for a run into finals.

“It’s happened throughout the course of the year,” Fitzgibbon said post-game.

“We’ve been addressing it but at the end of the day sometimes it’s fundamental errors, sometimes it’s discipline.

“Needless to say it keeps happening so it’s a bit of a trend we’ve got to address otherwise we’re just giving up too much and chasing down.

“Sometimes you focus too much on it, a little too much energy going towards it, (we’re) probably a bit uptight.

“We started the game really wanting to play well, the guys’ attitude, our effort is really good.

“There’s a lot of parts to like but you just can’t hand over that much possession and field position and expect to win.”

The Sharks will have a chance to end their winless run when they host the Wests Tigers next Friday night.