Well that sucked a whole heap of ass!
I really expected a better showing from you guys, but I guess it wasn't to be.
You had your moments, but once Api got marched that was the end of it.
Very disappointing.
As a Sharks fan, I am used to uttering the words "next year" and I do think you'll start to see improvement then.
There are plenty of positives about the young guys coming through.
Lachie is an absolute gun.
If you can keep his head in check the sky's the limit for him. He seems a pretty level-headed kid so that should be easy.
Bula is all class at the back, and Fainu on the left edge is really coming on well. A strong off-season for him and he'll be a weapon.
Luai will provide good leadership for you, both on and off the field.
I can't believe I'm saying that, but he seems to have matured the past year or so.
I reckon he'll drive standards to a higher level than what they currently are.
Similar to Crighton at the Dogs.
You guys need that.
Big Royce will give you some grunt, and Jack Bird, if he can stay fit, can play.
He'll be great at 13 or, at a pinch, in the centres.
You definitely need to sort your centres out.
I don't know what the answer is, but it ain't Feledy.
Hopefully you can land Horsburgh and he gets back to the form that saw him play SOO.
I'm going to let the cat out of the bag and confess - I'm not an Api fan.
Yeah he can play, or used to be able to, but I think he's a liability with discipline, takes on too much responsibility (goal kicking, kicking for touch) and is not a good leader.
I get he was put in that position through lack of choice, but I'd be starting to relieve him of some of those things and bringing Da Silva through.
Anyway, hang in there guys. There are signs of the sun breaking through.
I wouldn't expect miracles next year, or even the next.
But I reckon Richo will sort out your issues and you'll start climbing.
I see improvement next year, some more in '26 and you should really be back amongst in by '27.