Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks moved to second spot following their 16-0 win over Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at PointsBet Stadium.
MATCHDAY RESULTS
SCOREBOARD
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 16
Tries: Briton Nikora (17), Ronaldo Mulitalo 2 (21, 65)
Goals: Nicho Hynes 2 (18, 66)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 0
Tries: nil
Goals: nil
MATCH REPORT
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Sharks have scored three tries to nil in defeating the Bulldogs 16-0 in their final regular season home match at PointsBet Stadium.
In a dour affair, Ronaldo Mulitalo scored twice in an effort that moved Cronulla into second spot in the ladder and in the box seat to host a home final in week 1, which is all but confirmed to be played at PointsBet Stadium despite the reduced capacity due to renovations in the precinct.
Briton Nikora opened the scoring after seventeen minutes from a flat pass by Matt Moylan. Four minutes later Moylan once again was involved with a cut-out pass to Mulitalo for the Sharks second.
Just before half-time the Sharks would have gone further ahead had it not been for Andrew Fifita losing possession as he charged for the line.
It looked like the Bulldogs were back in the contest ten minutes after the break, only for Jake Averillo to be denied by an obstruction call on Raymond Faitala-Mariner in the leadup.
With fifteen to play, Hynes kicked behind the defensive line for Mulitalo to extend the Sharks lead.
While the Sharks will be happy with the two points, they will need to address their attack after making 18 errors and completing at 64%. They should be able to consolidate second spot when they travel to McDonald Jones Stadium to take on the Knights next Sunday.
The Bulldogs will be happy with their defensive effort given the Sharks had scored 76 points in their last two matches. They will have a chance to end their season on a high when they host Manly Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 pts – Siosifa Talakai (Sharks), 2 pts – Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks), 1 pt – Kayal Iro (Sharks)
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