Cronulla coach Josh Hannay says he wasn't a fan of Will Chambers' running battle with Manly utility Dylan Walker on Monday night.
Chambers attempted to physically and verbally impose himself on Walker on several occasions throughout the Sharks' 22-40 loss to the Sea Eagles.
Having pulled off a big shot on Walker, the centre let him know all about it and continued barking Walker's way for several minutes.
The drama even continued after Tom Trbojevic crossed for a try to extend Manly's lead.
Amateur lip readers suggested Chambers was making reference to Walker's off field past after the Manly player was found not guilty of domestic violence charges in 2019.
Speaking after the game, Hannay said the scoreline made it tough for him to justify Chambers' behaviour.
"I didn't enjoy it," Hannay said.
"I think when you're behind on the scoreboard, I'm loathed for our guys to be too chirpy.
"Everyone knows that Will likes to be chirpy out there and get under everyone's skin.
"It was his first game back for a while and I know he was really fired up and keen to get back into it.
"He probably let his emotions get the better of him there."
Despite the loss, the Sharks cling on to a top eight spot as part of a five-way logjam in the middle of the ladder.
Manly scored the first three tries of the game before Cronulla fought back but a Tom Trbojevic masterclass in the second half blew them off the park.
Hannay said there were positives for his side.
"I was really proud of us in that first half," Hannay said.
"Our goal-line defence... in that first half there was no lack of desperation or courage from our guys.
"To get back in at 16-10, I thought was an exceptional effort from our guys.
"The guys fought their way back and put on some nice footy at the end there.
"We never celebrate losses and we never feel good about losses but there was a lot of character shown by a pretty young footy side out there tonight."
