Sharks veteran Luke Lewis is bracing for Jarryd Hayne to have an "absolute blinder" in a bid to push his State of Origin cause as the premiers seek to keep pace with the premiership pacesetters.

Cronulla players are confident Jack Bird's stellar performance against Penrith is a sign that his contract distractions are well behind him.

Luke Brooks was told that if he resigned with the Wests Tigers there was a possibility he would be the only member of the so called 'big four' to be at the club next season. He still signed.

Wade Graham knows he's probably unlikely to pip Blues captain in waiting Boyd Cordner for the NSW left backrower position but has sent coach Laurie Daley a reminder of his versatility.

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Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and Paul Gallen sprayed Phil Gould after the win over Penrith. You'd think they would have better things to do.

The Penrith Panthers insist they didn't mean any disrespect to Cronulla after sending the club the wrong allocation of tickets for the Easter Sunday clash at Pepper Stadium.

So, when did the unpredictable Panthers become so predictable?

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan says Gould's "soft premiership" comments earlier in the year had been a motivation behind their performance.

With glassy eyes and unsteady voice, Matt Moylan fronted the media for the first time in two weeks and said he wanted to continue as Penrith captain. He said it. He certainly didn't insist it. He didn't put anything to bed.

Defiant Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has claimed Jack Bird's defection from the premiers to the Broncos was "probably about money" after vowing the contract saga won't derail Cronulla's title defence.

Jack Bird is one of the best young players in the competition, and he deserves a fat contract. He's also a massive loss for the Sharks. He doesn't deserve to be panned for accepting a good offer.

Jack Bird's father has defended his son over criticism from angry Cronulla fans, rubbishing suggestions he is leaving the reigning premiers because of money.

The Test winger knows his best opportunity of playing State of Origin this year may be through the misfortune of another but he is determined to tick off his No.1 bucket list item.

Tension between Brisbane and Cronulla escalated beyond the issue of Jack Bird's defection on Thursday with the Broncos lodging a complaint to the NRL about the premiers.

Cronulla insist they haven't been left "in the foetal position" by the defection of Jack Bird to Brisbane, vowing to move on without the State of Origin player.

In terms of 21st birthday presents, they don't come much more desirable for an up-and-coming NRL hooker.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has labelled his side's constant errors an "embarrassment" following their 11-2 loss to Cronulla Sharks on Sunday night.

The Storm hosted the Sharks on Sunday and James Maloney proved the match-winner in an 11-2 win.

If not for Cooper Cronk, James Maloney may still be plying his trade in Melbourne.