Best hits back at critics

Photo: Getty

Veteran Cronulla centre Colin Best said criticism the club's backline is under-performing has stung the players but is adamant they are playing their part in the Sharks' strong start to the season.

The Sharks have shocked most experts to be in fourth spot on the NRL ladder after the opening six weeks of the season, with Shane Flanagan's side on a four-game winning streak.

Much of the club's success has come on the back of a tremendous defensive effort, and the platform laid by their imposing forward pack through the likes of Paul Gallen, Jeremy Smith, Jayson Bukuya and Ben Ross.

The Sharks have the best defensive record in the competition but have struggled to score points, with the third worst attack in the NRL.

Only the bottom two clubs Gold Coast and Parramatta (both 13) have scored less tries than the Sharks (14) over the first six rounds of the season, with the outside backs contributing just five of those four-pointers.

The damning statistics have re-ignited talk the Sharks' success is all about the strength of their forwards but Best believes criticism of the backline is unwarranted.

"At times there's been some things said (about the club's backline) and as a group we haven't liked that," Best said ahead of Sunday's clash with Parramatta at Toyota Stadium.

"It's probably been said once and then somehow it's been a stigma that has stuck with this club.

"But some of the squad changes this year and the new personnel has really helped us.

"There's always been ability in the outside backs here but we probably haven't always been able to play to our potential with some of the personnel in the past.

"But now there's no excuses and I think you'll start to see the full potential of these outside backs."

Best, who turns 34 at the end of the year and is out of contract after this season, is weighing up whether he wants to continue to help the Sharks backline make its mark beyond 2012.

Currently in his 15th year of top level rugby league, Best said he plans to make a decision on his future in the next couple of months.

"I'm pretty lucky, this is the best I've felt for the last three years," he said.

"I didn't need to have any off-season surgery and I'm feeling pretty good at the moment.

"But it's a mental game as well. The more games we keep winning helps, you want to keep playing but I've got to think about my family and life after football and put all those factors into my decision."

While the Sharks are delighted to finally be serious finals contenders again after three lean years, they now no longer have the luxury of going into games as underdogs after picking up some big scalps in the last four weeks.

Asked if the next step for his side would be to win as favourites, Flanagan said: "I think it probably could be."

"As a team evolves to be able to play as favourites, no matter whether you're playing Parramatta or whoever it is, to be able to play as favourites and get the job done, that's probably the next part of us.

"It's only early days but I'd like to think that's a step that we need to take.

"We're expected to beat them but Parra have got a lot of pride, I know the club very well and they'll be coming here to make sure they represent that jersey and represent the team."

Sharks prop Bryce Gibbs added: "Every game is a danger game and anyone can beat anyone."

"We've really worked on our attitude this week. If we get our attitude right in defence we'll have no problems.

"Once you win a couple of games there's always a good feeling but we've still got to work hard ... especially this week when everyone expects us to win.

"There's a bit of danger about it but we need to believe we'll win to go out and get the job done."