Coerced by skipper Paul Gallen into taking the field last weekend, Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita admits he didn’t want to play in the opening weekend of the NRL finals for fear of tearing his calf muscle off the bone.
The stunning revelation goes some way to explaining Fifita’s sub-par showing against North Queensland, but the NSW Origin prop says he is over the mental demons for the game against Manly on Friday night as he eyes a return to the form which had him the most feared front-rower.
“I trained (on Tuesday) and I feel magnificent,” declared Fifita, who is nursing a knee and calf complaint.
The knee injury is a grade-one medial ligament strain – sustained in Saturday night’s elimination final win over North Queensland – while he carried the calf ailment into the clash.
But just how much he had been carrying the injury had not been revealed, his 114 metres gained his worst performance in a game he has managed to finish in three months.
“I couldn’t run – I couldn’t even do the captain’s run,” Fifita said.
“I did a little bit and it just felt that sore.
“If there’s any injury, the one thing you don’t want to do is your calf, because it pretty much controls your whole body.
“I tried pulling out the night before.
“I had a few chats some with of the (team) leaders, Gal gave me a speech about Aussies and how he did his calf and how he played and got man of the match.
“I was in la-la land last week – I don’t know, I just couldn’t get out of gear one.
“I was too scared I’d tear my calf right off the bone.”
Those mental demons were still there on Tuesday, when he arrived at Sharks training with his knee in a brace and heavy strapping on his calf.
Club medical officials – already dealing with the likely absence of Todd Carney from Friday night’s match due to a hamstring injury – ordered Fifita to rest.
He refused.
“I shouldn’t have, but I really needed to,” Fifita said of taking part in the session.
“I said to them, ‘I really need to get my mentality right’.
“I didn’t do one bit of running last week – I thought I really needed it.”
And having come through the session, Fifita is ready to show his best against a Manly pack which didn’t take a backward step against the Sydney Roosters last week.
Fifita owes them one too, having produced his most ineffective game of the season against the Sea Eagles in their only meeting in round six – eight runs for 73 metres in 46 minutes of game time.
“If there’s one team you don’t want to play going into semis, you’d fear Manly to be the most experienced team for that,” Fifita said.
“How many premierships they’ve been in, and how many semi-finals they’ve been in – I don’t even remember the last time they were out of the semis.
“They’re going to be a big pack to (go up against).”
john badseed
Guest
Doesn't the sharks NSW Cup team represent the Storm? They'll need him in their team to beat the Jets.
the spectator
Guest
I agree with Peachy, there's something about that kid no doubt!! Looks like an Ella.
V.O.R.
Guest
Marldon, A little bird told me that Captain big jocks gives a hell of a pep talk that can often involve a bit of a spray at his boys, usually administered 24 hours before kickoff so that the message well and truly sinks in. I for one hope the Sharks play it hard up the middle and inject some of that mongrel they are known for. Should they get the rub of the cream and the refs do their job they will be in the money for sure.
Marldon
Guest
the threat of a punch on the hooter is probably the reason.
V.O.R.,
Guest
The question needs to be asked....why would anyone in their right mind let themselves be coerced by Paul Gallen?
Renegade
Guest
Yeah i know exactly what you are saying.... it seems to lift the team every time. My heart says Cronulla but head says Manly for Friday.... The entire attack is based around Carney and for the Sharks to win they have to defend their butts off and ensure it is a low scoring game which i believe they are capable of, it will take an enormous effort though because Manly are a great side. The Sharks need to dominate the opening half and get ahead if they are to win. The fact that everyone is writing Cronulla off though will no doubt help ensure the Sharks are mentally ready.
eagleJack
Guest
Yeah I agree Renegade. I never like a team with such talent being told they have no chance. Never bodes well for the opposition. The only good thing I guess is that Manly never read their own press. They come out firing every week regardless of what people are saying they will do to the opposition.
Renegade
Guest
The more the sharks get written off , the better they will play.
The eye
Guest
Really hope Flanno has a late re think and puts Peachy on the bench..he worries the defence a lot more than Heighington these days
Sledgeross
Roar Rookie
Either way, with two great forward packs, it promises to be a tough game. Teh SHarks only hope is that Manly are still feeling the effects of their gripping, physical match Vs Roosters.
Pest
Guest
Agree , they play a brutal brand and not just in the finals, can't see Sharkies match what Easts and Manly put on show last week
Marldon
Guest
You will get worse than that against Manly Andrew. They will hit you hard and really show you how this game should be played.