Chloe Schibeci reviews the vital clash between Cronulla-Sutherland and Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, with the Sharks needing to win to jump back into the eight. Here’s how the game went.
SCOREBOARD
Sharks 24
Tries: Sione Katoa (3), Jesse Ramien (25), Connor Tracey (33), Braydon Trindall (45)
Goals: Braydon Trindall (26, 35, 40, 47)
Player of the Year Points
3 pts – Braydon Trindall (Sharks)
2 pts – Matt Moylan (Sharks)
1 pt – Payne Haas (Broncos)
MATCH REPORT
1st Half
The contest started early on in this game between Cronulla and Brisbane, with the Sharks Sione Katoa scoring the first points of the game after just three minutes of play. It didn’t take long for the Broncos to hit back, however, after star winger Xavier Coates scored just a few minutes later.
The contest was heated already at this point of the game, both sides desperately defending opposition’s attacking advances. The Broncos were the ones to break through next, a simple yet effective play from Tesi Niu allowed him to get through the Cronulla defensive line, extending their lead by six points.
Thomas Flegler was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Jack Williams, who was taken off the field for a HIA. A shift in momentum came immediately, with Jesse Ramien scoring for the Sharks, taking full advantage of the Broncos being one man down.
With less than ten minutes remaining in the first half, the Sharks took their final chance with Brisbane being without Flegler, and scored another try to extend their lead. Sione Katoa was found with the ball half way up the field, running with it from left to right until he found support in Conor Tracey, who tripped and slid over for the Sharks. The game was back to 13 on 13.
The Sharks kicked a penalty goal on the stroke of half time, giving them an eight point lead going into the break.
HALF-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18 Brisbane Broncos 10
2nd Half
In a similar fashion to that of the first half, the Sharks were the first to score in the opening minutes, Braydon Trindall scoring and converting to put the Sharks further in front. Only five minutes later, after finally having some possession, the Broncos hit back to score their third try of the night – a double for Tesi Niu.
The vast majority of the second halfway both the Sharks and the Broncos defending their lines, while trying to continue to score points.
A late shot on Trindall saw Brendan Piakura on debut sent to the sin bin. The Sharks tried to capitalise on this opportunity in a similar fashion to the first half, however, a loose carry on the line prevented any additional Cronulla points. Minutes later, a similar situation for the Broncos, where, despite optimal field position, the ball was lost. Both the Sharks and the Broncos were beginning to look frustrated, however, the defence continued to hold up on both ends.
A penalty ten metres out from the line gave the Broncos a perfect opportunity to score another try to close the eight point gap. Unfortunately for Selwyn Cobbo, he was pushed out of field while trying to ground the ball. The gap remained with eight minutes left to play.
The desperation was really starting to kick in during the dying minutes. The Sharks were able to defend two straight sets on their line, after the Broncos were given a repeat set off a drop out.
A solid defensive effort in the final minutes of the game, the Sharks were able to to hold onto their eight point lead.
FULL-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24 Brisbane Broncos 16
Injuries
to be advised
Match Review Committee
to be advised
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