The Raiders have spoiled Paul Gallen’s final game at Shark Park.
MATCH DETAILS
The Canberra Raiders have cemented their spot in the top four after Aiden Sezer kicked the winning field goal to sink the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Paul Gallen’s tribute game. The home side suffered a massive blow before kick-off after Shaun Johnson suffered a right quad injury in the warm up. The Sharks were hot property in the opening half, scoring 3 tries and leading by 12 points and looked certain to break the game open in the second half. The fans were cheering, as they now looked certain to cement a spot in the top eight. Unfortunately, Cronulla suffered another blow with Josh Dugan being ruled out of the game at half time with a failed concussion test.
The Raiders needed to respond to their sub-par performance in the first half. They did just that as they started to open up the Sharks’ defence and saw Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Nick Cotric score within the first 20 minutes of the second half to tie the game up. Nicoll-Klokstad and John Bateman were the main benefiters of this as they ran for 249 metres and 182 metres respectively. The Sharks’ five-eighth Kyle Flanagan kicked zero from three today and allowed the Raiders to level the contest despite scoring one less try. The final ten minutes of the match featured an amazing number of field goals as Aidan Sezer and Chad Townsend kicked 2 each, sending the game to extra time at 14-14. The opening term of extra time didn’t see a change to the result, but it didn’t take the Raiders long in the second term to ruin the Sharks’ fans day. This now sets up a do-or-die match for the Sharks against the Tigers next week, with the winner advancing to the finals.
FOUR POINTERS
Field Goals Galore
There was an incredible five field goals kicked in today’s match by Chad Townsend and Aidan Sezer. This was the first time that five or more field goals were kicked in a game since the 1970 grand final between South Sydney and Manly.
Aidan Sezer’s Field Goal Masterclass
Canberra halfback Aidan Sezer became the 40th player to kick three or more field goals in a match. He kicked three field goals from as many attempts and was the second player this century to kick three or more field goals.
Sharks Miss an Important Opportunity
The Cronulla Sharks missed a golden opportunity to almost guarantee a spot in the NRL finals. A win today would’ve put them two points clear of the Tigers in ninth spot, and they now face the Tigers in a blockbuster match next week, with the winner progressing to the top eight.
John Bateman Continues Brilliant Season
Englishman John Bateman continued his brilliant first season in the NRL, and was instrumental in the Raiders’ comeback. The second-rower ran for 182 metres including 64 post contact metres. He also notched up 42 tackles and broke 5 tackles.
THE RESULT
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14
Tries: Ronaldo Mulitalo (2), Jayden Brailey
Goals: Kyle Flanagan 0/3
Drop Goals: Chad Townsend (2)
Canberra Raiders 15
Tries: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Nick Cotric
Goals: Jarrod Croker 2/2
Drop Goals: Aidan Sezer (3)
SQUADS
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: 1. Josh Dugan 2. Sione Katoa 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Josh Morris 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 20. Kyle Flanagan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Aaron Woods 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Briton Nikora 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: 14. Kurt Capewell 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Jayson Bukuya.
Canberra Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jarrod Croker (c) 4. Nick Cotric 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Jack Wighton 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Josh Papalii 9. Josh Hodgson 15. Dunamis Lui 11. John Bateman 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Ryan Sutton. Interchange: 10. Iosia Soliola 14. Siliva Havili 16. Corey Horsburgh 17. Hudson Young.
