The Sharks have survived a nervous last five minutes to hold on in a five-point thriller. The Titans had a chance to win the game late, but they couldn’t get it done, as Ash Taylor’s last ditch kick was knocked dead.
REPORT: SHARKS PUT AWAY STUBBORN TITANS
The Titans started the second half the better side, with a try to Ash Taylor putting them in the lead. It wouldn’t last long however, as the Sharks got themselves back into the game. It all culminated in a try for Andrew Fifita, who scored on a brilliant grubber from Ennis.
The Titans tied the score with a penalty goal 16 minutes from time, but that would be all from the Gold Coast.
Chad Townsend came up with a field goal with more than 10 minutes to go to put the Sharks in front by 1, and then a brilliant try from Valentine Holmes put the game to bed.
Final score
Sharks 25
Suns 20
The Cronulla Sharks have won back-to-back games, and they’ll get a great opportunity to extend that streak when the Gold Coast Titans come to town. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm.
The Sharks have gone somewhat under the radar so far this season, as they’ve quietly built a 3-2 record after five rounds. Last week saw an 8-point win over the Tigers, in a game where they trailed by 10 points in the first half. Andrew Fifita continued his strong start to the season with 172 run metres, the highest total on the ground.
The Titans suffered an 8-point loss to the Broncos last weekend, but have started the season well in spite of that performance. A 3-2 record has seen them defy their pre-season expectations. Zeb Taia scored a couple of tries last weekend to continue his strong run of form, and if he can have a big day against the Sharks pack, the Titans will be well in the fight.
Cronulla have named an unchanged side for this clash, with the only change being Paul Gallen moving into the starting side.
The Titans have named a number of changes, including an NRL debut for five-eighth Cameron Cullen. Greg Bird will return to the lock forward position, with Agnatius Paasi shifting to the bench. David Shillington will return to the side following a warm-up injury last weekend, meaning Lachlan Burr drops out. Will Zillman has also been added to the extended bench, and is a real chance to play in the starting side.
While both sides started with very different expectations before the season, they both find themselves at 3-2 after five games. As a result, this game already stands as important for both sides’ Top 8 aspirations.
Prediction
The Sharks will start as strong favourites, and they should be good enough to get the job done at home.
Sharks by 12
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm.
Scott
Guest
Ennis wins by pulling up a player who is injured.
Michael l
Guest
Hope Maloney isn't out for too long. His one of the main reasons why the Sharks have been doing so well in attack this year. I'm loving his play and really good buy. Hope he comes back next week but having said that the Sharks performance today was excellent they deserve a weeks break.
Michael l
Guest
He almost scored that try when he broke through the line late in the second half. Pretty good footwork from a front rower. Really good game from Fafita today.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Lol agree.... They are both players that you could only love watching if they play for your team haha
Renegade
Roar Guru
Good call Joel. It was a cracking game that.... So many subplots and stories throughout the match ensured there was drama for the full 80. How good has this NRL season been, loving it!
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Ever so slight Rene ;) But agree it was a great effort today from the Sharkies.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
It's a tight call in a Bird v Ennis race to the bottom.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Sensing the sarcasm there mate ? As a supporter, it's the wins where the side has to show character and metal to get home that make you proud... This one was certainly that! Lot of pride in today's effort.
Andrew
Guest
I'm still flabbergasted the bunker ruling. He was going down and also he's 5,10 and the tackler hit the shoulder then the a little of the neck. thumbs downs with the bunker!!!!!!!!!!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah let's hope it's nothing bad.... Was the difference today - probably been the form prop in the comp this year!
Michael l
Guest
An exciting match by both teams today. It was a seesaw battle after the Titans came back from 14-0. It looked like the Sharks were going to get mesmerised in second half after losing Maloney and Lewis. Credit to them they lifted themselves and scored a pretty clutch try in the last 10 minutes which led them ahead. Good win!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Gutsy effort by the Blue Black and Whites.Losing two experienced players and holding on. Titans are a very competitive side,and yet Bird retains his famous grubbiness.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
Great win for your boys Renegade. Hopefully Fifita isn't out for a long time, he's been brilliant so far this year.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Good win mate. You're right. No team could ever win after losing 2 key players. Never happened before.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
MVP VOTING 3. Andrew Fifita 2. Michael Ennis 1. Ashley Taylor
Andrew
Guest
I was for the bunker, but not now. The great sterlo said on Wednesday show on fox "the bunker should be use in the try line, nothing more". Head high, crusher and so forth. I'm not ever a sharkie fan and live on the gold coast.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Courage, guts and determination.... Tough as nails! That's as gutsy a win as you'll ever see... Not sure too many sides could've done that, this mob is as fit as anything.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
FULL TIME The Sharks have survived a nervous last five minutes to hold on in a five-point thriller. The Titans had a chance to win the game late, but they couldn't get it done, as Ash Taylor's last ditch kick was knocked dead. The Titans started the second half the better side, with a try to Ash Taylor putting them in the lead. It wouldn't last long however, as the Sharks got themselves back into the game. It all culminated in a try for Andrew Fifita, who scored on a brilliant grubber from Ennis. The Titans tied the score with a penalty goal 16 minutes from time, but that would be all from the Gold Coast. Chad Townsend came up with a field goal with more than 10 minutes to go to put the Sharks in front by 1, and then a brilliant try from Valentine Holmes put the game to bed. Thanks for joining The Roar for this clash, and be sure to stick around for the Knights and the Tigers in about 10 minutes.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
80' Ash Taylor tries a kick back towards the posts, but Barba knocks it dead, and the Sharks hang on!!! FULL TIME Sharks 25 Titans 20
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
79' Less than 30 seconds to go, as Friend goes right to Pulu. He's almost through the line, and he's tackled at the 10. Two more plays, but Ennis has given away a penalty. It's a pretty clever one to be honest, as it chews up play. The Titans will get one last play. Sharks 25 Titans 20