While the press conference ahead of the Sharks game against the Panthers opened with a series of questions about the health of Josh Dugan, following the star centre's emotional media call earlier in the week, once the line of enquiry turned to the knock out semi-final on Friday night, coach Shane Flanagan put his game face on and spoke about a Penrith side possessing plenty of attacking weapons.
Flanagan talked about the James Maloney-Matt Moylan match up, the loss of Wade Graham and the impact he was hoping Valentine Homes might have on the contest.
He also covered off on the form of his team and the disappointment of last week's loss to the Roosters, in a match where the Sharks created enough chances but weren't able to capitalise on their opportunities.
It's a sudden-death semi-final and one the Sharks head coach realises will be a considerable challenge for his team tomorrow night.
But on the Maloney-Moylan club switch, Maloney downplayed his impact on the Panthers performances this year, preferring to shift the attention to his opposite number.
Flanagan wasn't buying Maloney's act.
"Typical Maloney playing it down," he said. "I'm sure Penrith are happy to0 have Jimmy at their club and we're happy to have Matt Moylan here at the Sharks."
On Holmes and what he means to the Sharks chances of success;
"He's had a fantastic season, he's got a spring in his step, he's injury free and he's in good form. There was a lot of pressure on him last week, but I thought he had a fantastic game. He ran for over 300 metres," Flanagan said.
"He's a quality athlete."
As for the Sharks loss to the Roosters, Flanagan was pleased with aspects of the performance, but added it means little unless they apply themselves and go again this weekend.
"There were some really quality things to come out of last week. There were two opportunities we blew. But we've got to start again and probably go to another level this week," Flanagan explained.
To hear snippets from today press conference, with Flanagan's Final Words before the knockout semi-final, click on the link above.
