[VIDEO] New Zealand Warriors vs Cronulla Sharks highlights: NRL live scores, blog

Match Result:

The Cronulla Sharks have absolutely stolen a win here this afternoon from the New Zealand Warriors who lead the game 10-0 at halftime but were outclassed by the Sharks in the second to lose the game 18-14.

The first two NZ tries came in the form of kicks. Firstly by Townsends cross-field kick to Hurrell and second via a Havili grubber for Mannering. The Warriors had a plethora of possession in the first half and basically game the Sharks nothing. However, as the old cliché goes, footy is a game of two halves and boy wasn’t that evident here.

>>MATCH REPORT: Sharks break Warriors’ heart at death

The got out of the blocks early with some nice passing by Gallen and Tagatese to send Holmes over for his first of the day. However, the best was yet to come from Holmes scoring his second after a nice offload by Beale created space for him to chip, chase and regather over Tomkins to level the scores up.

The Warriors were content in taking two points whenever they were on offer and led the game 14-12 until a nice backline movement by the Sharks left hand side on the last tackle took advantage of a retreating Warriors defence saw Leutele power his way through for the Sharks third and final of the game.

The Warriors were denied a try in the final minutes when Mannering dropped the ball in attempting to offload it.

The best for the Sharks were Holmes along with Gallen who provided the go forward the Sharks needed to get into attacking position (Although the grubber for himself in the first half was shocking).

The Sharks now go into 5th position after Melbourne lost last night to the Tigers and the Warriors can now drop out of the 8 completely depending on results.

So where to now for either team? Can the Sharks do the unthinkable and make a dent into the semis with their grinding efforts? And are you convinced now that the Warriors cannot make the 8 without SJ?

FULL TIME
NEW-ZEALAND WARRIORS 14
CRONULLA SHARKS 18

Match Preview:

The eighth placed New Zealand Warriors host the sixth placed Cronulla Sharks at Mt Smart Stadium in a game vital to the formation of the top eight. Join The Roar for all the action from 2:50pm (AEST)

The Sharks have quietly notched up a few wins in the last couple weeks, none bigger than the error-riddled game last week against the Bulldogs at Belmore. They don’t win pretty but are more than capable of staying in the contest for the full 80 minutes.

The Warriors have been their usual selves – inconsistent. Further, now without chief playmaker Shaun Johnson, the burden falls on the untested Tuimoala Lolohea to steer the ship.

The last time these two teams met it was an absolute thriller, with Johnson weaving his magic in the final moments to step past four Cronulla players and steal victory 20-16. However the most influential players on that night – Johnson and Andrew Fifita – will both miss this game.

With Johnson’s ankle injury ruling him out for the year, Lolohea shifts to halfback and Konrad Hurrell to the centres. Ben Maumalo (a lot of wraps on this kid) gets promoted to first grade from NSW Cup and Manu Vatuvei returns.

Bodene Thompson’s ankle injury sees Ben Matulino move into the second row and Albert Vete into the front row, with Sam Lisone onto the bench. Simon Mannering moves into the second row with Sebastine Ikahihifo coming in at lock and Raymond Faitala-Mariner coming onto the bench.

For the Sharks, Anthony Tupou returns from a broken jaw to replace Luke Lewis in the second row, Chris Heighington starts in the front row for Andrew Fifita, and Tinirau Arona comes onto the bench.

Paul Gallen and Heighington will need to provide the Sharks with the go-forward the halves need to execute their fifth tackle options. Meanwhile, Ben Barba coming off the bench may just be the spark the Sharks need when the Warriors forwards are tired at the back end of each half.

For the Warriors, obviously all eyes will be on Lolohea at halfback, but Chad Townsend will also need to pick up the slack and polish off the sets if they are to have any chance.

Last week the Warriors were outmatched by Manly’s forwards and lacked direction when Johnson left the field. If they are to beat the Sharks, they will need good kick returns from both Maumalo and Vatuvei and to play the majority of the game in Cronulla’s red zone.

The Sharks have the third best completion rate in the NRL and the Warriors have the highest error count, so Cronulla will look to grind out a win.

Prediction
The Warriors’ go-forward will prove too strong for the Sharks. If the majority of the game is played in Shark territory, even without Johnson, New Zealand should limp over the line.

Warriors by 2.

Will the Warriors excel without Shaun Johnson, or can the Sharks make it four in row? Join The Roar from 2:50pm (AEST) for scores updates and debate in our live blog.