Sticky praises Sharks' character
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Watchful eye... Ricky Stuart was pleased with how the players acquitted themselves. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart hailed the Sharks' gutsy 32-6 win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night, saying his players "created a statement".
The Sharks put a controversial week off the field behind them after the arrest and indefinite suspension of Greg Bird on assault charges.
Stuart says the players put in a special effort against the Tigers.
"They are a tough bunch, they've got a lot of character amongst this group," he said.
"The way we started tonight was basically the theme we set for ourselves - we wanted to create a statement."
The win was soured by a potential suspension for Paul Gallen, the skipper placed on report for making high contact with the Tigers' Ryan O'Hara.
Wests veteran Brett Hodgson says it was disappointing to lose in his final home match.
"I've had a wonderful career which I'm so proud of and had some brilliant moments and some not so good but I'm just blessed with every opportunity I've been given," he said.
