2021 NRL Round 12, Sharks 38 Titans 10 – Report

Lachy MacCorquodale reviews the Sunday afternoon clash between the Sharks and the Titans. Here’s how the game went.

SCOREBOARD

Player of the Year Points

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3 pts – Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
2 pts – William Kennedy (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
1 pt – Connor Tracey (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

MATCH REPORT

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1st Half

It was the perfect start for the Titans who wasted no time at all, scoring in just the third minute of the match as Brian Kelly grounded a Tanah Boyd grubber to open the scoring. However, it was all downhill from here for the Titans. The Sharks struck back almost immediately as Jesse Ramien found is way over on the right edge to draw the Sharks level with the Titans. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui soon found himself in the sin bin for repeatedly infringing in the ruck which the Sharks took advantage off through a penalty goal to give them the lead. The Sharks scored again immediately through Ronaldo Mulitalo, scoring in his first game back from injury. With the score at 14-6, the Titans were still in the contest and when Will Chambers was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle it seemed like a godsend for the Gold Coast.

The Sharks weren’t concerned with being reduced to 12 men for 10 minutes as they ran in two tries in that time period, as Mulitalo scored his second in the 24th minute and Jack Williams added another in the 32nd minute. These tries took the Sharks lead out to 20 points as they led the Titans 26 points to six at the break. It was a disappointing showing from the Titans and especially David Fifita who has just returned from suspension and accumulated a mere 36 run metres at this stage.

HALF-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 26 – 6 Gold Coast Titans

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2nd Half

Much of the same occurred during the second half as the Cronulla Sharks cruised home with a convincing win. They did start on the wrong foot however, with Briton Nikora going to the sin bin in the 44th minute but this didn’t prevent the Sharks from continuing their onslaught. Only three minutes later, Blayke Brailey borrowed his way behind the ruck the score his first of the day in what was an embarrassing effort by the Titans defence. The Sharks continued to play with momentum despite being down to 12 men and Connor Tracey would be next to add his name on the scoresheet as he took advantage of a numbers overlap on the right edge.

Luckily for the Titans, this would be the final try the Sharks would score but Cronulla had inflicted too much pain throughout the opening 60 minutes. The Titans weren’t out of hot water just yet as Jamal Fogarty was sent to the sin bin in the 66th minute for interfering with play whilst being in an offside position. Gold Coast managed to hold on defensively with 12 men and were rewarded for their efforts in the 77th minute with their second try of the afternoon as Kevin Proctor cruised over for the try line for his first of the afternoon. Justin Holbrook won’t be pleased with his sides’ effort this afternoon as they never really stood a chance despite scoring the opening try of the afternoon. He’ll get his side ready for a tough clash with an Origin depleted Melbourne Storm side whilst the Cronulla Sharks have the week off.

FULL-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 38 – 10 Gold Coast Titans.

Injuries

to be advised

Match Review Committee

David Fifita (Titans) – Grade 1 Contrary Conduct – Early Guilty Plea $1,350 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $1,800 fine.
Mitch Rein (Titans) – Grade 1 Dangerous Throw – Early Guilty Plea $1,700 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $2,250 fine.
Moeaki Fotuaika (Titans) – Grade 1 Dangerous Throw – Early Guilty Plea $1,600 fine, Guilty at Judiciary $2,100 fine.

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