The Cronulla Sharks defeated the Canberra Raiders 21-20 in controversial circumstances after a denied Fifita try nearly cost them the win.
>>MATCH REPORT: Sharks win thriller 21-20 over Raiders
Score was leveled at 20-20 after the try was controversially denied and a penalty was awarded, converted by Michael Gordon.
A golden-point field goal from Valentine Holmes gave Cronulla the win in time on.
Cronulla 21 def. Canberra 20
The Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks kick of Saturday’s NRL triple-header when they meet at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Join The Roar for live scores from 3:00pm (AEST).
Two teams on the cusp of breaking into the top eight clash heads today on what is predicted to be a crisp, but mostly sunny afternoon in Canberra.
The Sharks, who will start the match on 20 competition points, are only outside the top eight currently due to their poor for-and-against record. Getting this figure into positive territory will become increasingly important as finals edge ever closer, and the Sharks will be looking to chip away at it tonight.
Their hosts, are a game shy of really being part of the top eight logjam, but they can join it with a win today and really start to put the pressure on the teams teetering on the edge of finals football.
Both are coming off strong wins in Round 18, the Raiders knocking off the Knights by 14 points on Friday night, while the Sharks accounted for the Dragons, 28-8.
On the team front, the Sharks will enter this match unchanged from their dominant win last Sunday.
Kurt Baptiste will start for the Raiders following the forced exclusion of Sam Williams, who is looking at up to five weeks on the sidelines with a pectoral injury.
Joey Leilua will also make his way to the bench for the home side.
Can the Raiders claim a vital home win, or will the Sharks make the jump into the top eight?
Join The Roar for live scores of the Raiders versus Sharks from 3:00pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Agree about Wighton - he is not a halfback. Couldn't believe Ricky Stuart pulled that move. Surely you use an established half in such an important game. Cornish has to be given another chance or possibly Baptiste. Jack returns to full back and Sisa at centre. Despite not having an effective half the Raiders only lost by a point so its not all gloom and doom.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Rene, after that nail-biter, I reckon you might be looking for a set of fresh batteries for the pacemaker.
Jono
Guest
Again the refs were terrible with forward passes. In the off season someone needs to do a clinic on forward passes at refs training. As a Raiders fan I didn't think they deserved to win that game given how poorly they played and while I'm not sure Fifita was onside, if he was and he was tackled without the ball when he went to score I'm not sure how it isn't a penalty try to the Sharks. Raiders looked to somehow escape from gaol. Austin then does all the hard work to get the team into position only for them to do a pretty poor kick attempt. The only thing I can think of is that he was more worried about kicking it dead than kicking it. Sharks then do some great work and get the win they should have had 5 mins earlier. For the Raiders that is the 3rd game in the last 4 home games they have lost by a field goal (I'm counting the Bulldogs game despite the fact they scored a try on the short kick off). Even though they were lucky to even get in that position in the first place today, it has to be incredibly gutting for the team to have it happen again. Last thought, Wighton is not a half. Don't put him in at half. Put someone who is a half in. Do it next week, then the week after, until Williams is back.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
Poor old refs, didn't get much right today.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Raiders did well to get back in the contest. Hodgson was great - and Fifita - what a player. Had given up when Fifita looked as though he grounded a try with a minute to go. Refs were rubbish as usual. Both sides had reasons to blow up. Why that wasn't a try is beyond me. In the end the Sharks deserved to win. Going to be hard for the Raiders to make the 8 from here. They are a much better team than last year but just can't seem to win the tight games against good opposition.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Haha. Was my thoughts on a ref forward pass ruling...'st00ged' must be on the bad list.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Feki looked set to score the match winner in the left corner but stumbled and was halted by Waqa 2m out. Next play moved the ball to Holmes in centre field who slotted the match winner. Fabulous finish but debate will rage over the score levelling penalty/no try ruling after the 80 minute siren.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Just looked it up, he did against the Titans in round 10.
MJB
Guest
That's the right outcome. Raiders just woeful, and how that wasn't a penalty try at the death I'll never understand.
Jason Hosken
Guest
Reckon you are right.
Renegade
Roar Guru
They can't take that one of Em.... Justice! Outstanding set from Cronulla to setup the field goal. Well done to both sides though - as good a game of footy as you'll see. Talk about tension - somebody get me a beer! :P
Jason Hosken
Guest
Waqa try saver. Holmes field goal! Sharks 21-20. Fulltime.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Is that the second time Holmes has pulled off a golden point kick?
Jason Hosken
Guest
Austin half break Austin. Field goal Austin, misses. 82'.
Planko
Guest
Shocker renegade...
Jay C
Roar Guru
Barba fieldy. Can anyone else kick 'em?
Jason Hosken
Guest
If anyone reading. It golden point and battery on my phone running low. See how we go. Raiders kick off.
Jay C
Roar Guru
At least the Broncos is on live tomorrow afternoon. The SP games have been good though. The nines was great.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Where's planko gone?? That's beyond logic.
PNG Bronco fan#88
Guest
Because of the SP Games, have to catch the replay at 11pm. What happened to the Sharks!?