It was a disappointing night for the Sharks, who as described by skipper Wade Graham when talking to the media on Wednesday, "missed the start" and were playing catch up for the rest of the night in a 38-12 loss to the Panthers.
Finding positives in the performance was difficult, however a number of players tried their best to stem the tide against a red-hot Penrith side, with their efforts recognised by Sharks members and fans in this week's Fan Poll Man of the Match.
One of those who could certainly hold his head high was Josh Dugan, the Sharks centre running for over 180 metres and defending strongly in an impressive outing in his team's losing effort.
Dugan was the standout Man of the Match as judged by you the fans, earning 45 per cent of the vote, with his three points in the year long Fan Poll player of the year also seeing him jump into the lead on the points table with just five rounds remaining.
Also gaining the respect of the Sharks faithful from the Panthers match was hard-working forward Toby Rudolf who relished his starting role last Friday night.
Primarily used as an interchange player, Rudolf played in the front row in the Sharks run on side and with 13 per cent of the vote earns two points in the season-long poll.
Others to catch the eye of Sharks fans included youngster Braydon Trindall with six per cent of the vote, Blayke Brailey and Siosifa Talakai (5%) and prop Aaron Woods (4%).
With five matches left in the regular season the Fan Poll Player of the Year standings went behind closed doors after round 13, with the weekly votes and final winner to be revealed at season's end.
Fan Poll Player of the Year - after 13 rounds
Shaun Johnson 19
Josh Dugan 15
Toby Rudolf 7
Wade Graham 7
Sione Katoa 6
Ronaldo Mulitalo 4
Blayke Brailey 4
Will Kennedy 4
Sifa Talakai 3
Royce Hunt 3
Jesse Ramien 3
Braden Hamlin-Uele 2
Braydon Trindall 1
