Following the Cronulla Sharks’ emphatic 26-16 victory over the Queensland Cowboys, Sharks captain Dale Finucane delivered a bold and candid assessment not just of the game, but of the fanbase dynamics between the two teams. In an interview after the match, Finucane praised the Sharks’ loyal supporters while delivering a stinging critique of the Cowboys’ fanbase, calling it the “worst in the league.”
“My brothers always say the Cowboys have the worst fanbase, and after that match, I think they’re right,” Finucane said bluntly. “You could see it in our win against them. When we were under pressure, our fans lifted us. When they were struggling, their fans didn’t do anything to help them. It’s frustrating as a player to see the lack of support for a team that has talent.”
The Sharks, renowned for their gritty performances, drew immense energy from their passionate fanbase. PointsBet Stadium is often seen as one of the most electric venues in the NRL, with Sharks supporters known for their relentless energy and vocal backing. Finucane was quick to credit the fans for making a tangible difference during the game.
“Our fans showed up loud and proud, like they always do,” Finucane continued. “It’s like having an extra player on the field. They push us forward, they keep us in the fight, and they don’t give up on us even when the game gets tough. You could hear the roar every time we made a play, and that sort of energy drives us to keep going.”
In contrast, Finucane highlighted how the lack of vocal support from Cowboys fans had a noticeable effect on their team’s performance. Despite playing hard, the Cowboys couldn’t match the intensity of the Sharks, and according to Finucane, part of that came down to the lack of motivation from their own fanbase.
“It was almost silent on their side,” Finucane remarked. “You’d think a team like the Cowboys would have their fans cheering them on, especially when they needed it most. But there was nothing. It’s tough as a player to feel like your supporters aren’t there when you’re struggling. The Sharks have the best fanbase in the league, and it shows every week. But what we saw from the Cowboys fans? That’s the worst fanbase I’ve ever seen.”
Finucane’s comments aren’t just about this one match. He pointed to a broader issue that has plagued Cowboys games for some time now—a noticeable lack of passionate support, particularly in tough situations. “When you compare it to our fans, it’s night and day,” Finucane said. “We know we can count on our supporters no matter the score, and that makes all the difference. But you don’t get that sense from the Cowboys. Their fans seem to go quiet when they’re needed the most.”
The Sharks captain also emphasized how much fans can impact a team’s success. “It’s not just about what happens on the field. A strong, supportive fanbase can change the outcome of a game. When you hear the crowd behind you, it gives you that extra push, that extra energy to keep fighting,” Finucane explained. “We play for our fans as much as for ourselves, and their belief in us helps us dig deep in those tough moments.”
For the Sharks, this latest win marks another step forward in a strong season, and Finucane attributes a large part of their success to the unwavering support from their fans. “We’re all in this together,” he said proudly. “The players, the coaches, and especially the fans. They’re our family, and they lift us up every single game. That’s why we’ve been able to stay competitive at this level.”
As for the Cowboys, Finucane’s words serve as a pointed reminder that fan support can be just as important as talent on the field. “They’ve got the players, but without that backing, it’s going to be tough for them to go all the way. The Cowboys need to ask their fans to step up if they want to succeed in this league,” he added.
Finucane’s bold critique of the Cowboys fanbase has stirred conversation throughout the NRL community, but one thing is clear: the Sharks, both on and off the field, continue to set a high standard, with their captain leading the charge. As the season progresses, the relationship between the Sharks and their fans remains one of their most vital assets, and Finucane is determined to keep that bond as strong as ever.
