Manly have earned a third crack at taking down South Sydney after a Daly Cherry-Evans masterclass and John Morris brain snap lifted the Sea Eagles to a 24-18 win over Cronulla in Friday night’s NRL semi-final.
Running on empty for much of the second half, the Sea Eagles held on to set up a preliminary final against the Rabbitohs next Friday – with the grand final awaiting the winner.
They never trailed with Cherry-Evans the star scoring one try and setting up two others with precise kicks – but it was the intervention of Sharks hooker Morris which proved just as crucial – with his actions denying what would have been a match-levelling try to skipper Paul Gallen with seven minutes remaining.
Gallen charged over from 10 metres out to set the Sharks contingent in the disappointing 23,837-strong crowd into raptures, only for pocket referee Ashley Klein to spot Morris taking out Matt Ballin at marker.
Gallen was in disbelief as Shayne Hayne sent the decision up to the video referee.
“Are you serious? I beat five blokes,” Gallen said.
The Sharks came again but it was appropriate that Cherry-Evans ended up with the ball to stop Cronulla’s final charge, the absence of the injured Todd Carney hurting the underdogs as they struggled with their last-play options.
Still they were in the game until the last second against the wilting Sea Eagles, who face a monumental task backing up against the Rabbitohs in seven days.
Cherry-Evans’ kicks led to first-half tries for Anthony Watmough and Kieran Foran, sandwiched around a Michael Gordon four-pointer on a rare foray down the opposition end for the Sharks.
Jorge Taufua took the Sea Eagles out to a comfortable 18-6 lead just after the restart, but there was plenty of controversy over the put-down with the hulking winger appearing to lose the ball as he crashed through four defenders.
The video referee deemed there was insufficient evidence to take away the try, but the Sharks were not down for long, Andrew Fifita showing once again there was plenty of finesse to the wrecking ball approach as he athletically put down a Jeff Robson grubber just before the dead-ball line.
Cherry-Evans crossed for what would prove the match-clincher on the hour, with Johnathan Wright’s solo effort five minutes later getting the Sharks close but not close enough.
Sledgeross
Roar Rookie
Sharks fan here, couldnt split the teams, but Manly showed all their experience and deserved to win. Only really contentious point was the Tafua try, if there wasnt enouh evidence to rule on then we should give it away! But the ref awarded the try, so I guess the video ref played it safe. manly are a good, tough group who more than any of the other top 4 teams embody the word team.
Sledgeross
Roar Rookie
Heighington eye gouge????? The one were he wasnt charged?
Doggies Bro
Guest
Give you them to but still aren't in the record books
Mals
Guest
Steve Menzies and Anthony Watmough for starters
john badseed
Guest
Nah all the tough guys live on sydney's gold coast-Sylvania waters
Renegade
Guest
Oh we've got a tough guy here in badseed.... lol please.
beachart
Guest
I like wholemeal bread. thank you
Pest
Guest
Good for you , bet it's been hard finding the motive to watch this pathetic rabble play at times, now that you have the NRL and ch9 in ya pocket you may just win in a decent truly national comp , but as I said if you think your the "pride of the league" the medication is justified
aaron
Guest
silvertail if you must know i'm a souths supporter and proud of it
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Groan....damn I'm ill. And double hahahahaha to Storm. Eat it and roll in it some more ;) Gotta love seedy sunday good news. #deathwarmedup
Fran_Gipani
Guest
Cheers for the brain spazout Morris. Hahahaha wtf is wrong with Sharks? Everything ! On ya town bike SC Gallen. Gold...champagne...THE Sugar Honey Ice Tea is Keith and Daly :D
john badseed
Guest
Only when the games have any meaning
Rellum
Roar Guru
Try reading champ, you might find the word "if" in there somewhere.
john badseed
Guest
and the Jets will kick your redneck a$$ tomorrow hobbit. laughing stocks of Sydney.
Renegade
Guest
As I said your top 4 blah blah is rubbish... Full of it.
Renegade
Guest
Townsend and bukuya are both heading across the ditch next year..
Earl Park
Guest
During the second half, Gustradamous (predicts plays after they happen), Rabbits, and Fittler spent 3 or 4 minutes trying to spell 'athleticism'. Was it a game of football or a spelling bee. FFS. And how bad is it when the reserve caller is Ray 'Bully' Hadley. I have to start watching the football without sound. I just have to.
Silvertail
Guest
What's wrong Aaron , team not in the finals
aaron
Guest
pete what's your problem with souths
aaron
Guest
they should ask toovey what he thought of the refs a few dodgey decisions when they win toovey doesn't comment they lose and his head explodes