Shane Flanagan has lit the fuse ahead of Cronulla's NRL clash with Manly, saying his charges were disappointed after being robbed of a chance for a square-up on Martin Taupau.

While happy to see Taupau sitting on the sidelines serving the first of a three-game ban for a dangerous throw, Sharks coach Flanagan admitted many of his charges wanted revenge for the Sea Eagles hitman's ugly swinging arm on Jack Bird earlier in the year.

Martin Taupau shows concern for Jack Bird as he lies injured during round three. Credit:Getty Images

Taupau escaped with just a one week suspension for a high shot which left Bird concussed in Manly's 22-12 win at Brookvale Oval in round three, a sentence which was roundly criticised as being too lenient and led to scrutiny of the match review committee.