Cronulla Sharks 10
Sydney Roosters 4
In a game plagued by errors, the Roosters only managed to hold onto the ball for 19 of 38 sets making 19 errors to see the Sharks capitalise on their mistakes and take home a six-point victory.
With new sponsors on their jerseys, the Sharks looked like a new team with captain Paul Gallen back in the run-on side. However, Gallen failed to impress and alongside Roosters stars Daniel Tupou, Boyd Cordner and Mitchell Pearce challenged NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley’s decision in selecting his side for State of Origin II at the MCG.
Jeff Robson, Wade Graham and Michael Ennis all played well in the match combining to create great options at the end of each set. Ennis’ play out of dummy half may see him challenge for the NSW No. 9 jersey.
Luke Lewis was sent over for his 100th try and was backed by a strong crowd of 14,235 in a close match at Remondis Stadium.
The Sharks continued to hit the Roosters attacking play hard with a strong defensive line in a great comeback after the Roosters dominated early to come away with the two points.
Paul Gallen returns for the Cronulla Sharks as they host the Sydney Roosters at Remondis Stadium. Join The Roar from 3:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
The Roosters are on a three-game winning streak that has seen them thrash some of the competition’s heavyweights including the Melbourne Storm and a depleted Canterbury Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Sharks are coming off of a 36-point loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons in last Sunday’s local derby at Jubilee Oval.
James Maloney could potentially push Trent Hodkinson out of the NSW Blues side after the Roosters five-eighth showed what he is capable of in a stunning performance against the Storm on Monday night.
Gallen also has the chance to prove his worth to Laurie Daley’s side as he prepares to lead his state out onto the hallowed turf that is the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this month.
Boyd Cordner will also push his Origin claims as he battles for a bench spot due to Gallen’s return, while Daniel Tupou’s place is also in question with the possibility of a surprise Brett Morris return on the cards.
Gallen has been named at lock, with Jayson Bukuya dropping to the bench in place of Sami Sauiluma. Chris Heighington returns on the bench in place of Tinirau Arona, while Saia Feki and Ricky Leutele have been named on an extended bench.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has made no changes to his team after their impressive win over the Storm.
In the 33 games played between the two clubs since 1998, the Roosters have won 20 and the Sharks 12. One match was drawn. Last time the two teams met was on Easter Sunday, where the Cronulla Sharks won their first game of the season.
Prediction
After an outstanding performance on Monday night it is hard to go against the boys from Bondi.
Roosters by 10.
Join The Roar from 3:50pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Lol maybe. They lost to the Warriors a few weeks ago because of it - simple kick to the sideline got charged down and warriors scored with 15 seconds left on the clock to take the points. They camped on the Titans line all game back in round 4 and threw two intercepts including one with two minutes to go that the Titans scored off to win the game 24-22. They played the best part of 80 minutes on the Broncos tryline only to have the Broncos score a try due to an error by the Sharks in their own in goal. As I said, you're taking the p1ss by writing that I say it every week. I certainly think they've gotten the better of the other team in most games this year but a lack of creativity and poor execution is killing them.... I wouldn't just be writing this stuff just for the sake of it. Ask any Sharks fan about their thoughts on how our attack has gone this year and you'll get a clue of what has cost them a fair few places on the ladder.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
A 5-7 record would suggest it isn't only a lack of creativity killing the Sharks. The way you talk about them they should be 12-0 this year. Perhaps they aren't dominating as much as you think they are?
Renegade
Roar Guru
I still disagree... The Sharks bombed just as many tries and the majority of the game was played down the roosters end of the field. And as others have said above - the roosters were pummeled by the Cronulla defence all game which contributed to the errors. They've beaten the roosters twice now.... Both times - both teams were full strength, it can't just be the roosters play bad whenever they play Cronulla. And those numbers im talking about, cronulla produce that just about every game... They've contested just about every game this year bar last week and when the storm dominated them earlier in the season.... Poor execution and lack of creativity in attack is why they aren't sitting higher on the ladder. I find it hard to believe that coincidentally every team is off their game when they play the Sharks.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
You are missing the point Rene. Sure the stats will show the Sharks were the better side. As I stated above that's because the other side, the Roosters, were terrible. And they weren't forced into being terrible. They bombed a dozen tries with the last pass going to ground, or with confusion in their set play. Their completion rate was awful. Completely self inflicted. A couple of weeks ago Manly almost beat the Cowboys. If we had held on in that final minute to secure a win, I wouldn't have argued that the reason for the win was that Manly was dominant. The stats probably said they dominated parts of the game. But watching the game with 2 eyes it was clear that the Cowboys were terrible. They had an off night, with so many unforced errors. They weren't playing at the standard they have set in 2015. The Roosters were off last night. The Sharks did well to hang in there. But they were far from dominant. You got the sense that even though the Roosters were terrible, if they just managed to hold onto the ball and execute one decent play, they would win.
nerval
Guest
Lyon has been terrible, Ennis was abusive in this game too - but neither, I believe, is going to captain the Blues in Origin 2 at Melbourne. Paul Gallen is. It's important for the sport that the game isn't a fizzer, isn't one bedevilled by constant shows of dissent. Melbourne journos who favour other sports will be ready, willing and able to boot the boot in. Just for once, I wish posters on here would put parochialism aside and believe that some of us are motivated primarily by a love of the game - even ahead of the club we follow.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Bit weird that your trying to call me out on the "dominating" but as a fan Im sure you can see the point reflected during the game and the stats also prove it. Sharks made over 2000m today compared to the roosters 1700. Sharks made more line breaks, had less miss tackles, less errors and a better completion rate.... But anyways - we'll go with Gus's word over mine ;)
Renegade
Roar Guru
"Even last week against the dragons" That was at the 30 minute mark when it was 8-6.... Cmon bud, now you're just taking the p1ss. I noticed below you wrote gallen isn't good enough for origin.... Are you sure you watched the game or are you just relaying whatever you heard Gus say? ;)
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Ok Rene. But let's not forget that you write that the Sharks dominate every game. Even last week against the Dragons. Sharks were good. But were lucky that the Roosters didn't turn up. That first half was men against boys but the men had too many options, and invariably took the wrong one.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Gallen’s not so bad anymore. He has a good whinge but at least he’s not running in from the other side of the field to yell in the refs face like a lot of other captains do/have done. Hayne was the worst for mine, followed by Lyon and Ennis. Honourary mention towards Blake Austin who isn’t even a captain.
nerval
Guest
Nah, not because of that - but rather because I want the game to show its very best in Melbourne and fear that we'll have a repeat of its very worst in Origin 2 and 3 of last year...
The eye
Guest
RTS wasnt given an inch..if the sharks defence was poor the majority of those Rooster errors wouldnt have been made..dont make excuses for them..it was painful hitting proceeded by confident running thru the center.
Marklar
Guest
Just goes to show why the Rooaters halves should not be allowed anywhere a NSW jersey, they have no idea when in a scrap- and Origin is the biggest scrap of them all. Good stuff from the Sharks after being destroyed last week.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah because his the only captain that does it...
pauld
Guest
If that game was a horse race there would be a full stewards inquiry. A very fishy game of footy. I did not bet on the game so l am not talking out of my wallet.
nerval
Guest
I'm pleased for Cronulla but it really is hard to cheer on Paul Gallen. I thought his constant chirping at the ref was disgraceful. Why do officials put up with it? The bloke should have been binned the first time he opened his mouth. And with Origin coming up, the last thing the game needs is another game marred by dissent as happened last year.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Sorry last 20 of the first half and first 20 of the second*. Didn't watch the end (was seeing about a lady friend.) Counted a fair few bombed tries in that time though.
Renegade
Roar Guru
6 bombed tries in the last 20 minutes?? Was this today's game?
Tiger
Guest
What was I thinking??!!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Nope, I thought we were well on top and winning the battle for field position and owning the contest in the middle. The Sharks should have put at least 3 tries on the roosters in the second half. Not as dominant as they were the first time the two teams played this season but still the better team. Their defence has been tough and solid all year bar last week so hopefully the attack sorts itself out but the lack of creativity means they will struggle to worry enough teams at the back end of the season... Absolutely expect them to still be playing in September though.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Farah honest and not selfish? Maybe when hell is an enjoyable winter wonderland.