If any other club can begin to empathise with what Cronulla are going through this season, it is the other NRL side in the crosshairs of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority: Manly.
The high-flying Sea Eagles host the struggling Sharks at Brookvale Oval on Sunday with officials and players of both sides reportedly set to be interviewed soon by ASADA as they step up their investigation.
Manly are not under the white-hot spotlight that Cronulla find themselves but they have responded to the matter in the best way possible – on the football field.
After Melbourne and South Sydney, Manly have been the most impressive performers this year with four wins and one loss heading into round six.
But Cronulla, one of the premiership favourites heading into the season, have publicly admitted they are struggling to cope with the situation.
The Sharks have lost their past two games and coach Shane Flanagan said the emotions involved have begun to take their toll.
But Flanagan’s counterpart Geoff Toovey has backed the Sharks to work their way out of it.
“I don’t like to comment on other clubs. Obviously it’s been a tough time for Cronulla but, in adversity, football teams seem to rise above that and I’m sure Cronulla will do the same thing,” Toovey said.
“They’re a great side. They’ve had some great signings, particularly for this year. The games they lost have been very tight. They’re a great defensive side, a physical side so hopefully we’ll win but I know it will only be by a small margin.”
Manly’s defence has been their strength so far this year, conceding far less points than any other side, and captain Jamie Lyon said it was a result of the hard work former Parramatta caretaker coach Brad Arthur had been doing with the team.
“Our defence has been really strong,” Lyon said.
“Brad Arthur can take a lot of credit for that. He’s come from Parramatta and really done a lot with the defence of our team.
“Along with Geoff and Dave Penna as well, I think our defence has been pretty strong and kept us in a lot of games.”
