Craig Fitzgibbon discusses missing Adam Reynolds, out of contract halves and why he chose Cronulla
Rugby League by David Riccio
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Subscriber only Incoming Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has declared he will resist making a desperate panic buy in reaction to missing playmaking target Adam Reynolds. Fitzgibbon added that he was comfortable with the negotiations despite the Rabbitohs halfback knocking back the Sharks pitch for 2022 and beyond to instead take-up a lucrative three-year deal with the Broncos. In his first interview since being appointed Sharks coach from 2022 just over five weeks ago, a calm and collected Fitzgibbon also revealed a gentlemen s agreement with Roosters coach Trent Robinson would stop him from prizing any contracted players out of the tricolours and into the black, white and blue.
Craig Fitzgibbon is adamant he won t blow up a Cronulla roster with at least $4 million in contract calls to make, insisting the Sharks rising stars and existing playmakers can make up for missing out on Adam Reynolds.
Fitzgibbon broke a self-imposed silence as the incoming Cronulla coach on Tuesday to defend the club s negotiations with Reynolds, who last week knocked back a lucrative $2 million-plus offer to sign with wooden spooners Brisbane for 2022.
Speaking for the first time since taking on the Sharks post, albeit in a Roosters polo, Fitzgibbon covered the full gamut at Cronulla.
From roster moves and scrum base options to the sacking of John Morris and pursuit of Craig Bellamy and why he chose to make his coaching debut in the Shire after knocking back several rival approaches in recent years.
Craig Fitzgibbon has broken his silence to defend Cronulla against suggestions they bungled the recruitment of Adam Reynolds.
On Tuesday the incoming Sharks coach said he was not scratching around for players to revive the club, with his attention fixed on retaining the off-contract personnel who could be an asset next season and beyond.
It comes after South Sydney star Reynolds knocked back a big money deal with the Sharks to sign with Brisbane for a contract of lesser value, raising questions about Cronulla s recruitment strategy.
Incoming Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has defended the club s recruitment team
Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Rugby League by Peter Badel, Wacko’s Whispers 18th May 2021 11:12 AM
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Subscriber only Broncos coach Kevin Walters is considering another scrumbase reshuffle with Karmichael Hunt and Albert Kelly putting pressure on besieged playmaker Anthony Milford for Saturday s clash against the Roosters. Hunt was set to be called up for his first NRL game in 12 years this week, only to suffer a minor knee injury playing for Souths Logan in the Intrust Super Cup on Sunday. Walters is awaiting results of scans to determine whether to pitchfork Hunt into the halves at the expense of Milford for the Roosters showdown at the SCG.
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