2021 NRL Round Five, Roosters 26 Sharks 18 – Report

Chloe Schibeci reviews the Sydney Roosters’ incredible comeback against Cronulla-Sutherland. Here’s how the game went.

SCOREBOARD

Player of the Year Points

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3 pts – Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)
2 pts – Angus Chrichton (Sydney Roosters)
1 pt – William Kennedy (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

MATCH REPORT

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1st Half

The Sharks didn’t waste any time before scoring the first points of the game, with Mawene Hiroti crossing for a try within the first two minutes of play. William Kennedy scored the second try for the Sharks not long after.

The Sharks continued to defend well, while the Roosters struggled to score their first points of the game. They came eventually, with Brett Morris scoring an unconverted try just before the 30-minute mark.

A successful penalty shot just before the half-time break had the Sharks leading by eight points.

The remainder of the first half saw a confident Sharks side defend their line while the Roosters crept up; however, they were unable to convert their efforts into tries.

The Sharks did suffer a loss during the first half after captain Wade Graham failed to pass a HIA test, keeping him out for the remainder of the game, which could potentially be a big loss for Cronulla leading into the second half.

HALF-TIME: Sydney Roosters 4 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 12

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2nd Half

Cronulla stepped out onto the field with another man down, losing Josh Dugan to a failed HIA test.

The Roosters hoped to capitalise on this opportunity, however struggled to score their second try of the game until halfway through the second 40. The Sharks’ confidence grew in the early stages of the second half, particularly after Jack Williams scored under the posts in celebration of his 50th NRL game.

The Roosters didn’t take long to hit back, with Drew Hutchison scoring their second try of the game. Just a few minutes later, they scored again. The Roosters were just four points behind the Sharks and gaining confidence.

With 10 minutes remaining and an error from Cronulla on their own line, 18-year-old Sam Walker scored for the Roosters to find themselves ahead for the first time in the game.

The Roosters continued to capitalise, as Brett Morris scored his second try of the night with five minutes remaining. The second half saw the game change completely, as reflected on the scoreboard.

FULL-TIME: Sydney Roosters 26 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18

Injuries

Wade Graham (Sharks) – failed HIA
Josh Dugan (Sharks) – failed HIA
Freddy Lussick (Roosters) – arm

Match Review Committee

Ben Marschke (Roosters) – Grade 1 Crusher Tackle – Found Not Guilty at Judiciary.

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