Sharks manager Craig Fitzgibbon disputed the 79th-minute penalty against prop Royce Hunt that led to the Warriors’ game-winning penalty goal.
Referee Ben Cummins called Hunt for shoving Warriors forward Josh Curran as the players searched for a fumble late in the game.
Fitzgibbon told reporters in his post-match news conference that he “didn’t know what happened” when the 27-year-old was suspended.
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“I’m not sure what happened there, I’m interested in taking a look at that again,” Fitzgibbon said.
“When I looked at it at the time it happened, well, I’m not really sure. What part was penalized?
The penalty gave the Warriors a goal kick from 35 meters with 30 seconds remaining and the score was 30-30.
Veteran running back Shaun Johnson stepped up and scored the penalty goal after scoring and providing two assist attempts.
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New Zealand Warriors Press Conference | 08:05
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Cronulla also fired a late penalty kick to level the scores after 80 minutes, but Nicho Hynes failed to convert.
Fitzgibbon also criticized his team’s execution and “poor fundamentals” as the Sharks allowed the Warriors to get back into the game with “simple mistakes” on multiple occasions after holding a 20-0 lead after 19 minutes.
“I’m really disappointed with our fundamentals,” Fitzgibbon said.
“We invite them to get back in the game with simple mistakes and simple mistakes in the game of the ball. Three errors turned into points for them, and suddenly the game began.
“It’s really frustrating when you train on it, you work on it, and it doesn’t translate to game day.”