NRL 2022: The shocking tackle that sent the Sharks into a frenzy

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon said the game review board was “difficult to understand” after he seriously injured fullback Will Kennedy as a result of a hip drop tackle being dropped.

Kennedy is not expected to return until the final round of the regular season after having to undergo ankle surgery after an ugly tackle by South Sydney’s Tevita Tatra in the 63rd minute of last week’s Golden Point Battle.

The case received little attention a week after Brisbane’s Patrick Carrigan was suspended for four games for breaking Jackson Hastings’ fibula in a shocking tackle just hours after Kennedy’s injury. rice field.

The Sharks emailed the NRL asking why Tatra was not charged.

“It’s getting harder to understand,” said Fitzgibbon, confident that Kennedy might be back ahead of schedule.

“Nobody’s really trying. They’re unhappy and it’s happening more than usual.”

“But we lost a great player who has been an important part of our team for a long time, but we didn’t get a claim.

“I didn’t understand your explanation, but you’re right. Same goes for Dale in the head crash. We have to move on.

“It’s really exciting for Cade (Dykes) to take the chance. When something like that happens, you really don’t want to get stuck and dwell on things you can’t control. It’s the only team that does.”

There are silver linings to all of this, with Dykes set to make his NRL debut on Saturday in front of a packed house on Old Boys Day.

It’s a big moment for the local Junior, who will become a third generation shark and follow in the footsteps of his father Adam and grandfather John.

Dykes is in excellent shape in the reserve grade, scoring eight tries in 13 games this season and scoring nine more, splitting time between fullback and half.

He’s playing very well, even beating former Sevens star Rachie Miller, who scored a slash try in Cronulla’s debut in Round 11.

“His form at Newtown is getting to the point where it’s undeniable to pick him,” said Fitzgibbon.

“I spent a few weeks alternating between him and Ratchie Miller. I hope you can perform.

“It was a difficult decision given Lathy’s debut.

“When there is a reward system based on the NSW Cup, training, performance, etc., Cade has reached the point where it guarantees a chance.

“Lassy has shown some good performances and is under pressure to be picked, so there is some utility for Lasy and we will see her play again soon.

“It was difficult in that respect, but it was very exciting because Cade got the chance.”

The hype surrounding Dykes is already building, but his coach is confident the 20-year-old can handle it after signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2024.

“Very talented young players are so confident that the hype doesn’t affect them too much,” Fitzgibbon said.

“Kade is a confident kid and really confident in his abilities, so when you see how they interact with other players and how they train (no worries).

“It’s Cade’s first season against men and he’s one of the strongest performers in the competition.”