The Cronulla Sharks have issued a warning ahead of the NRL finals, proving they are the real deal after a convincing 32-22 home win against the Sydney Roosters on Monday night at Remondis Stadium.
After copping a 40-0 hiding against the Roosters just five weeks ago, Cronulla produced their most outstanding half of football this season against the competition leaders, piling on 26 unanswered points by halftime.
The Roosters began to mount a comeback early in the second half with tries to Daniel Tupou and Daniel Mortimer, but ill-discipline by the boys from Bondi allowed the boot of Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney, who kicked eight from eight conversion attempts, to seal the win for the home side.
The win will surely boost confidence in The Shire, cementing the Sharks a top eight spot with the guarantee of a home final.
The possibility of Cronulla finishing in the top four also lingers with two rounds remaining, with the Manly Sea Eagles sitting only three points above them on the table.
However, in order for the Sharks to overtake the Silvertails, they will have to beat the in-form North Queensland Cowboys away from home and the unpredictable Canberra Raiders, and then hope Manly lose their two remaining games against the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers.
Before this year’s NRL season kicked off, Cronulla were tipped to be genuine premiership contenders. The Sharks recruited well in the off-season with the additions of Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon and Chris Heighington to the squad, and had a successful pre-season, winning both of their trial matches against the Sea Eagles and the Newcastle Knights.
What is most impressive about the Sharks is the incredible amount of resilience and professionalism the club has shown to shift their focus from the ASADA investigation to playing quality footy.
One cannot help but notice the special bond Cronulla’s playing group have. The Sharks are not a team of individuals, but an individual team striving for the success that was originally predicted for them.
The finals are almost upon us. Beware of a shark attack…
Lys
Guest
I beg to differ. The Roosters game was the first time this season that Cronulla have fielded a full strength team & they tore it up all over the park. The Sharks proved that they are the real deal & the continual dismissal of them as a genuine contender ensures that they stay clear of the pressure that comes with being favourites for the title. Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that after all the drama of this season, being placed 5th on the ladder come finals time is a HUGE achievement. The Sharks are lurking & premiership or not, they should be proud of the way they have conducted themselves on the field this season!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The NRL are ensuring ASADA has completed its task,before making decisions,without publicly hanging out dirty washing.That position one suggests is not only being professional ,but letting due process take its course. They got the ASADA report out earlier than the NRL have,so they were able to act earlier.Smart or the luck of the draw?,when a club self reports it has done wrong and an admin accused of alerting early to the fact. Even Paul Kent alluded last night the two situations are different,and theinvestigations have only just concluded. Anycase the NRL and the Sharks(despite at times being a tad amateurish) haven't carried on in the public venue, like a home grown sporting civil war,with threats and counterthreats and then backdowns.Smart enough!!! About as smart as streaking on a football field. The so called supplement program at the Sharks was not conducted under the auspices or approval of the coach for a start..
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Yes, but the Sword of Damocles, in the form of a urine sample jar, hangs over them. When will it fall? Who will be its victim?
Bulldog
Guest
The Sharks are going to be a stain on the finals in the long run.... NRL are taking a big risk letting these guys into the finals. The AFL are smart enough to realise this risk and manage it.
Luke
Guest
As a sharks fan it was a great night monday. But im still doubtful that one result all of a sudden makes us contenders. The roosters didnt play anywhere near their best and still won the second half 22-6. Realistically a prelimanary final apperance is about the best we can hope for.
turbodewd
Guest
The Sharks are a good team but clearly not in the same league as the top 4. When the playoffs come around best of luck to the Sharks coz they will need it because theyre not good enuff to reach the big show.
nopuritan
Guest
Reputations rise and fall almost as regularly as the (pep)tides. Peter Benchley
Clevo
Guest
Like cockroaches the Sharkies survive a nuclear hoocaust! And come out of it stronger