Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has responded to the notion that his team are mere "flat track bullies" after signing a new contract extending through to the end of 2029.
Fitzgibbon, who wasn't set to finish his previous contract until the end of 2027, recently secured a two-year extension that keeps him at the helm of the black, white, and blue until at least 2029.
This decision follows back-to-back preliminary finals but coincides with a troubling phase for the Sharks as they near what might be the twilight of their championship window, especially after suffering a heavy defeat to the Dolphins last week.
ANALYSIS: Did the Sharks re-sign Craig Fitzgibbon too early?
During Fitzgibbon's leadership, the Sharks have struggled to achieve consistent success against top-tier teams, such as the Penrith Panthers, particularly in crucial September matches.
In a discussion on SEN Radio, Fitzgibbon questioned the origins of the "flat track bullies" label assigned to his squad.
"I don't understand what data there is around that," he expressed.
"We have to be beating someone if we get to the prelims," he added.
"The team we haven't beat which is Penrith, that's a fair criticism, and we haven't got past the prelim, that's absolutely fair (criticism)."
"We're all in the business of winning premierships and the business of getting the big one, and we haven't been able to do that," he concluded.