Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan says his side feel comfortable without NSW stars Paul Gallen and Todd Carney but won’t be underestimating State of Origin-depleted Brisbane on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos are set to be without seven stars for the blockbuster NRL clash, with Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges, Ben Hannant, Petero Civoniceva, Corey Parker, Matt Gillett and Ben Te’o all included in the Maroons’ 20-man squad for Origin III next Wednesday.
In previous seasons, Cronulla have found it nearly impossible to win without inspirational captain Gallen on the park, but instead of struggling through the Origin period, the Sharks have consolidated fourth place on the ladder.
However, Flanagan warned his side can’t fall into the mental trap of taking the third-placed baby Broncos lightly – especially with spine players Peter Wallace, Corey Norman, Josh Hoffman and Andrew McCullough all still present.
“Preparing for a game like this can (be tough) if you want to make it. They can pick from the whole of Brisbane so we’re not concerned they’ve got an understrength side in,” Flanagan told AAP.
“The players they’ve put in would probably make a lot of other NRL sides … they’re still a strong side and I know our blokes will be well prepared for it.
“One important factor for us is they’ve still got their six, seven, nine and one consistently there all year and they’re there again on the weekend.”
Flanagan has been delighted with the way his back-row has stood up this year without Gallen, who as well as being on Origin duty, has been hampered by injury.
The coach admits the hole left in attack by Carney’s absence is of greater concern, but backed young five-eighth Chad Townsend to steer the side around with his kicking game.
“We are more comfortable now they’re not there, and that’s credit to the players that have stood up in those positions,” said Flanagan of life without his stars.
“Jeremy Smith, Jason Bukuya, Wade Graham – our back-row is still really strong even taking Gal out of there.
“Todd’s a big loss just for the spark he gives us in attack and I don’t think we can really replace that but young Chad Townsend is really consistent and adds something to our team.”