After four Sharks were injured in the first half, debate surrounding player welfare and introducing an 18th man for concussion is growing – following the AFL introducing an injury substitution for players ruled out of the game.
However, the Eels were brave in their own right, with halfback Mitchell Moses withdrawn after 25 minutes and coach Brad Arthur is not interested in changes to the interchange.
“I know it was in our favour today but my preference would be no at this stage,” the coach said.
“I like that sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up and those performances can build your season.
“Cronulla were as brave as us tonight, they should be proud of their efforts.”
The Eels have a nine-day turnaround before they play the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday, which is enough time for Moses to pass concussion protocols if he does not suffer any setbacks during the week.
