Rd 16, 2026 Craig Fitzgibbon Presser and the latest news

[00:00:01] The Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking is a hidden gem of the Shire, situated on the banks of the beautiful Port Hacking. It's a great place to catch up with friends, celebrate your birthday or any special occasion, and they always show the NRL live on the big screens. The RMYC Port Hacking, proud sponsors of this podcast and big supporters of the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. Check out their website rmycph.com.au

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[00:01:05] Hey there, welcome to SharkCast, a podcast dedicated to the greatest sporting club in the history of the world, the mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. My name is Sam Shinazzi, I'm an OG from 2015 and this is a press conference based episode. Craig Fitzgibbon on Saturday morning talking about all things 2026 Shark related, including some returning players, the game against the Warriors last week, what we can expect against the Roosters on Sunday night and a whole bunch of things like that.

[00:01:34] Our man Dave Riccio was in the house as well, so some good questions from him and it's worth your listen, that's for sure. Fizzi is pretty open in press conferences in pregame situations and have a listen, tell me what you think. Round 16 finishes with the mighty Sharks at Allianz Stadium against the Roosters and it's going to be a crack up because the teams have been more or less finalized.

[00:01:59] We can tell you that the majority of rep players are in for both teams and we have some returning players too. So the Sharks have been boosted with Nico Hines coming in jumper number 22 at halfback. Therefore Nephi goes to the bench in number seven. Fenua Blake is starting at the moment, an hour before the game that could change, but at the moment he's starting. Blake Braley has been rushed back in. I don't say, I shouldn't say rushed back in.

[00:02:26] Blake Braley is back. Number 21 starting hooker and Britton Nicker has been named to start as well. Therefore the bench at the moment is Nephi, Bill Burns, Orokin Kofusi, Sid Vidalakai, Tall Tom Haslin, Hoheppa Puru. So you wonder if they're going to carry Hoheppa in as a hooker or not with Blake there. They must be pretty confident. I noticed that Jaden Barrow's been pushed out of the team. The reserve is Moini Harati. Quite a bit of action there.

[00:02:56] And if you look at the bench, so Nephi, Billy, Orokin, Sifa, Hazleton and Puru. You would think out of those guys, Billy Burns will get a go. You would think Sifa Talakai will get a go. Tom Hazleton will get a go. Tall Tom Hazleton will get a go. Yeah. Interesting what happens there. And for the Chookies, they have named Tedesco. They have named Toya. They have named Marky Mark. They have named Sam Walker. Reece Robson.

[00:03:26] Lindsey Collins. I think the only out for them is going to be... Angus Crichton is out. I'm not sure why there, but he is out. And Egan Butcher comes into the starting team at the moment. So, should be a great game. Pretty stable lineups now. Fascinated to see how Blake and Niko go with some time out of the game. And coming back into a winning team four games in a row.

[00:03:54] Wonder which of the Puru's, if not one or both, gets a shot tomorrow night from the bench. It's quite fascinating. And I can't wait for this game. I really hope we win. I just love this winning streak we're on. Everyone's in a feel-good mood. The Leagues Club video is out. The women's jersey is out. Currently, as I record this night before, the NRLW team is in a trial match at Leichhardt against the Roosters. So, it's all happening. It's all happening.

[00:04:24] It's fun, fun, fun. NRLW starts in a couple of weeks. We are the kickoff game on a Thursday night at Ocean Protect Stadium. It's going to be awesome. We're in a really good spot here. So, let's keep winning against the Roosters on Sunday night. Hope you've enjoyed the episodes this week. It's a perfect week to subscribe for free. Because I haven't had a lot of time to promote the show on the social medias as much as I would for each episode. So, you might have missed an episode with Dan or with Gary or with Wally.

[00:04:53] Had a bunch of episodes this week. Kieran was there, I believe. I think. It's a whirlwind week, that's for sure. But a lot of episodes and having a ball doing it. But make sure you subscribe on whatever podcast app you listen to on. Or if you watch it on YouTube. Or if you're on the socials and somehow you watch it there. That's how you get your information from. Subscribe on all those places. Because sometimes, not often, but sometimes I don't get time to promote them.

[00:05:23] So, we have a bunch of people who subscribe and they'll get the episodes. So, I don't need to worry too much. But if you're one of those people that needs a bit of a push. And there are people out there like that, which is fair enough. We're living busy lives. If you're on the podcast, then please do subscribe for free. And if you don't know how to do it, as simple as that sounds, let me know and I'll show you how to do it. Shark House Pod. We can't wait for game day kickoff. 6.15 at Allianz. Here comes Fitzy with the presser.

[00:05:53] And we'll talk to you post-game. Up up. Let's go.

[00:06:29] He's got no pain and his strength is good. So, as long as he gets through a few things today, then it would.

[00:07:02] Obviously, it was through a fraction. Surgery was really successful. But, yeah, he just never had anything in his mind other than what's the quickest timeframe. So, it was a good challenge.

[00:07:52] Refresh, regroup and see what's important. Self has included. He's really close with Jaden Barrow. It was really good to see those guys getting opportunities. He's a chance also. So, again, we haven't trained yet today. So, we'll finalise things after we get through this morning session. But he's got through everything this week so far, yeah.

[00:08:19] Is he this week better? Does he? Where the strain was is in a delicate location in the cars. You sort of see it's getting a bit more common now.

[00:08:47] There's certain areas of your calf which are more delicate than others. And, you know, if you have a restrain, it's out for a long period of time. So, you've got to make sure you get them right. He doesn't think he's no longer the main man of the Sharks. Does that mean it? Does he work for the Roosters?

[00:09:22] It's just a combination that works well together and they'll get better. So, no, I think he's off the market. He understood the situation. Yeah, he just doesn't want to dwell on the situation for any of the players that don't.

[00:09:47] Or, no, he's fine. And, rather, the last game is a little for him. So, no, Britt's good to go as well.

[00:10:24] It was a different style. Just two teams. It was pleasing. Yeah, it's a difficult trip. Obviously missing a host of players and they were missing a few as well. So, I think it was a good sign that both clubs, you know, know the simple things and did that really well. And it was pleasing to get the result there.

[00:10:53] But, yeah, it was something you can hang on to. But, each week's different. And not every week looks like that. It was sort of one of the lowest scoring, if not the lowest scoring game this year. So, not every week looks like that. But there was plenty of parts to like about it. Yeah. What are those conditions? Positionally, he was a little bit out.

[00:11:17] He's probably general playing. He's controlling games. Have you had a chance to catch up with Rob? We don't speak game week.

[00:11:46] But, obviously, there's a strong bond there and a strong relationship. But, no, there's no conversation during game week.

[00:12:29] Yeah, the boys love him. He's so reliable. Will, obviously, they thought he had a strong year as well. So, the way he goes about it, he's so reliable in everything he does. He walks in the door. He's super perfect.

[00:12:57] He's really connected to the team. And I think that's showing in his performances at the moment. His situation, he's aware of it and understands it. And just keeps his head down, bum up. And he just loves the sharks. So, we're happy to have him. SharkCast is supported by the best and most honest real estate agent in the Sutherland Shire, Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. He's an expert in the Carring Bar region and has his eye all across the Shire. Lifelong Sharks fan and supporter of this podcast,

[00:13:27] if you're looking to buy or sell in the region, the person you need to be talking to is Jason Hawes from Crips & Crips Real Estate. Call him on 0410 417 450. That's 0410 417 450. Jason Hawes, Crips & Crips Real Estate.

[00:13:46] SharkCast in the Shire. Turn your porch lights off because we're coming home with a trophy.