Five things we learned from Sharks’ 23-18 win over the Titans

GREG Bird’s aggression is a weapon in the wrong hands, Andrew Fifita is the form prop of the NRL — Five things we learned from Titans v Sharks here.

Titans Greg Bird is tackled by Cronulla's Paul Gallen during the Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans rugby league game at Shark Park, Cronulla. Pic Brett Costello

1 THE bunker is becoming more influential on-field than the actual referees. It has to stop. The number of tries and general play incidents referred to the bunker is increasing and it is confusing players and fans. The bunker’s power has to be restricted to tries and foul play only.

2 GREG Bird’s aggression is a weapon in the wrong hands. Bird was destructive against Cronulla but he also gave away needless penalties. He has to find the balance between bashing rival players and good discipline.

3 ANDREW Fifita is the in-form prop of the competition alongside Josh McGuire but there probably isn’t a place in the Australian team for him. Fifita is the best attacking front-rower but he still makes silly errors and he bombed a try after making a sensational break.

Cronulla's Jack Bird and Michael Ennis celebrate a try by Cronulla's Andrew Fifita. Pic Brett Costello

4 CAMERON Cullen is an NRL player. The shortest player in the competition is too gutsy and too talented to not be playing NRL most weeks. He is fourth choice half at the Gold Coast so hopefully another club picks him up for next season.

5 WILL Zillman is yet to convince he’s a better fullback than David Mead. He was solid against Cronulla but his lack of speed hurt the Gold Coast’s attack. Mead was excellent in the opening month.

Originally published as Five things we learned from Sharks’ 23-18 win over the Titans