Cronulla 22 d Gold Coast 12: Sharks too strong for leaderless Titans

GOLD Coast fought hard, but could not counter the loss of their leaders as they slipped to a 22-12 loss to Cronulla at Toyota Stadium.

Sharks

GOLD Coast fought hard, but could not counter the loss of their leaders as they slipped to a 22-12 loss to Cronulla at Toyota Stadium.

Already without Origin stars Nate Myles, Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison and the injured Luke Bailey, the Titans were dealt a blow when halfback Scott Prince lost his battle with back and hamstring injuries and withdrew just before kick-off.

Even though the Sharks were also below strength, missing Origin reps Todd Carney and Paul Gallen, the Titans - who had mounted a stirring resurgence in recent weeks, winning three consecutive games - found the task too difficult.

"Losing Scott was tough," Titans coach John Cartwright said.

"There are no excuses, but it's hard when you take out your general.

"We tried our butts off, but lacked a little execution."

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan called on referees to protect kickers after two of his players were "clipped".

Sharks kickers Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend were both hit after kicking in general play and Flanagan wants answers from NRL referees' coach Bill Harrigan.

"When Brett Kimmorley was playing a few years ago, he got hit after a kick and missed the rest of the year," Flanagan said.

"Tony Caine (former hooker) was hit here a few years ago by Steve Price and broke his leg.

"Both our players were hit today, not tackled.

MATCH CENTRE: Sharks v Titans

"The rule states you must be attempting a tackle.

"You must at least wrap your arms around the kicker. That didn't happen today. Both players were clipped, one high, and there was no penalty."

Robson and Townsend were uninjured, but Flanagan wants late hits on kickers banned.

"I will talk to either Bill Harrigan or (co-coach) Stuart Raper to get their opinions," he said.

"I don't want to kick up a huge stink, but if I complain after a loss then you're seen as a whinger. I might as well say something after a win.

"My side has given away a few penalties this year for this and I was filthy at them for not trying to make a proper tackle.

"It is a fine line. We have to protect the kickers, but you also need to have kick-pressure."

The win was vital for Cronulla, who went into yesterday having lost their past four, but are now entrenched in the top eight. The Sharks appear headed for the semi-finals on the back of a physical and confrontational forward pack.

"We hung in there and toughed it out," Flanagan said. "At times today we made it harder for ourselves."

Cronulla scored two tries in each half yesterday and always looked in control.

CRONULLA 22

(C Best I De Gois J Smith C Townsend tries C Townsend 3 goals) bt

GOLD COAST 12

(B Champion M Srama tries A Sezer 2 goals) at Toyota Stadium. Referees: Gavin Badger, Jason Robinson. Crowd: 8,635