Craig Fitzgibbon sets aside friendship for Sharks-Roosters final

Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has set aside his long-standing friendship with Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson ahead of a sudden-death NRL final at Allianz Stadium.

Fitzgibbon, who spent a decade as an assistant coach under Robinson at the Roosters following a successful playing career there, stated that communication between the two will be paused for the duration of the match. This marks the third time in four seasons that the two clubs have met in a knockout final, with the coaches having split their previous two September encounters. Fitzgibbon expressed gratitude for Robinson’s mentorship but emphasized that the focus remains entirely on the competitive contest between the Sharks and the Roosters.