Mulitalo urges NRL to allow sledging as Sharks eye finals

Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has urged the NRL to keep sledging in the game, arguing that trash talk is part of the sport and should not be outlawed as the club prepares for a preliminary final against Melbourne. Mulitalo, known for his on-field wind-ups, said the ban would reduce competitive edge and that players should be able to respond to opponents without crossing lines.

The Sharks moved within one win of their first grand final appearance since 2016 after defeating Canberra 32-12 on Saturday, their ninth win in their last 10 outings. The result kept Cronulla’s momentum rolling into a final series that cast them as underdogs against the Storm at AAMI Park this week. The Raiders’ premiership bid had come under pressure a week earlier when Hudson Young was sin-binned for squaring up to Reece Walsh and celebrating a Brisbane error, a sequence that also featured Walsh allegedly aiming a headbutt at Young before returning to spark a Broncos rally.

'I need to be careful what I say, I’d be gone for a whole year if I got caught with what I say sometimes,' Mulitalo said. 'It's high stakes. Nobody takes it personally. And if you can't handle words when you go out there, that's on you. It’s an advantage to whoever is able to get under your skin. You can say whatever you want to me. I've been called plenty of things, but am I going to sit around and say, 'he hurt my feelings'?' 'Play the game how it is. It’s tough. It’s a man’s game. If you're getting hurt by words, obviously there's a limit, you don't bring in partners or kids – you never cross that line. With Hudson Young, he can say whatever he wants. I gave him a bit of lip, and I was giving it back. Not once did I say, 'he hurt my feelings'.'

Mulitalo added that he relishes the chance to goad opponents and celebrate the Sharks' small victories, as they head to Melbourne as clear underdogs. 'If you play a video game and you laugh at your brother and he turns around and flogs you, you're the real winner,' he said. The winger stressed that the team’s confidence hinges on producing results and earning respect through success on the field, not by talking alone. 'We've been together for four years and I think we all know if we don't get something done or get moving, we'll pay the price,' he said. 'That's how you lose players, and someone comes in to do a job. We don't get the right to speak about respect when you haven't earned anything; how can you demand respect when you don't have a premiership? You earn respect by beating the best of the best.'

Injury news overshadowing the preparation, Cronulla will be without prop Tom Hazleton against Melbourne due to a category one concussion. However, front-rower Toby Rudolf was cleared to face the Storm after being penalised for a high shot on Raiders captain Joe Tapine, a decision that came with a $1,000 fine. Cronulla back-rower Billy Burns also faced a $1,000 fine for dangerous contact but will be free to play in the first preliminary final. The sanctions, along with the squad’s health status, shape the team’s approach as they chase the club’s second premiership and a tighter grip on their future under coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

As Cronulla departs for Friday’s clash at AAMI Park, Mulitalo’s comments underscore a larger debate over player conduct and the role of sledging in modern rugby league. If the Sharks can advance, they will add a notable chapter to a season defined as much by resilience and teamwork as by the on-field chatter that Mulitalo champions.