Penrith punish rusty Roosters
14 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has come out in support of his playing squad after suggestions they deliberately and repeatedly attacked the legs of Cowboys attackers during last Saturday's loss to the reigning premiers.
New Sharks signing James Maloney was issued a "concerning act notice" by the NRL's match review panel after he hit Cowboys prop James Tamou below the knees, while the Cowboys have indicated several other players were unable to train early in the week as a result of the alleged tactic.
"It was just a one off, [Maloney] mistimed it. It's not something we practice - we practice to get three in the tackle and get the big blokes down on the ground. When you've got big men like they have - Scott, Taumalolo, Tamou - we wanted to get them on the ground. Every side will want to do the same", Flanagan said.
"But there was absolutely no intention to spear at the legs - we don't practice it or encourage it."
Cronulla head into their Round 2 clash with the Dragons as favourites after showing pushing the Cowboys all the way in the season opener.