Everything was typical ‘Origin’ at Suncorp on Wednesday, including the usual intensity, toughness and skill on display, everything that is except the lopsided score line in favour of NSW.
The Sharks had four representatives in the match with all concerned having considerable impact in the outcome of the contest.
As for any injury news to come from the game, it can be reported that the four Cronulla reps came through the game without any serious injury concerns and will all be on deck for the top of the table clash against the Storm on June 8.
Fifita, along with Tiger James Tedesco, was the dominant player on the night. After a barnstorming opening stint Fifita was taken from the field for a head injury assessment however fortunately for the big prop, for NSW and for the Sharks going forward, he was cleared and would return to the game.
Fifita finished the match and was even better when returning from the HIA test and along with Graham, Maloney and Bird was also given a clean bill of health following fulltime.
The Sharks have turned out to be a lot more fortunate than some clubs, the bye in round 13 giving them a chance to recover from Wednesday night's bruising encounter, with a number of clubs, including the Storm and Roosters looking likely to be without key players in their weekend matches.
The four Sharks Origin boys will now have until Monday to rest and recover before beginning preparations with the rest of the team for the Storm clash next Thursday.
In other injury news, the predicted return date for James Segeyaro remains the same, with the Sharks hooker likely to be back for the round 19 match against the Titans.
The Sharks who played in the 9-8 win over the Bulldogs also came through that contest unscathed. The group trained Thursday, were scheduled to go again on Friday, will be given two days off over the weekend, before reuniting with the Origin four on Monday for a full training day.
The Sharks then have just a Captain’s run on Wednesday before the game against the Storm at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Thursday night.
