Cronulla Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles highlights: Sharks win 20-12

21st May, 2016

Match result:

The Cronulla Sharks are at the top of the NRL ladder after a Saturday night win over the Manly Sea-Eagles.

Final score
Cronulla 20
Manly 12

Match preview:

The second-placed Cronulla Sharks host the Manly Sea Eagles in Round 11 at Southern Cross Group Stadium, better known as Shark Park. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:30pm (AEST).

The Sharks are coming off a 62-0 thumping of Newcastle last week and are chasing their eighth win in a row. Coincidently, their last loss was against Manly (18-8) back in Round 3 at Brookvale Oval.

Thanks to their big win last week, Cronulla now have the best attacking record in the competition in 2016. Coach Shane Flanagan has named an 18-man squad to face Manly, with David Fifita and Jayson Bukuya on an extended bench. Matt Prior drops out of the team that faced Newcastle last week.

Manly are currently languishing in twelfth place on the ladder and coach Trent Barrett has made three changes this week. Steve Matai returns in the centres, Jamie Buhrer in the back row and Josh Starling on the interchange bench. Martin Taupau (suspension), Tom Symonds and Addin Fonua-Blake drop out from the team that were beaten by 30-6 by the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium last week.

It will be the last chance for fringe Origin players from both teams to press their claims before the Queensland and New South Wales teams are announced for the first match of this year’s series. For the Sharks, James Maloney, Jack Bird and Wade Graham will be eager to impress the Blues’ selectors.

For Manly, there has been speculation that Queensland stalwart Nate Myles will struggle to retain his starting spot in the Maroons’ Origin pack this year. He will need a big game against the Sharks to convince the selectors to stay loyal.

Prediction
These teams have a great rivalry dating all the way back to the early 1970s when they played in one of the most physically brutal grand finals on record. A Manly upset wouldn’t surprise, but the Sharks’ current form is too good to ignore. They should make it eight wins in a row.

Join The Roar at 7:30pm AEST for live score updates and debate in our live blog.

The Crowd Says:

2016-05-21T22:55:06+00:00

Sarah

Guest

Don't you think that's a bit early to call them we proved everyone wrong it could be our year this year prove everyone wrong up the sharkies

2016-05-21T14:19:14+00:00

steveng

Roar Rookie

You're dreaming 'Renegade' 'This year I genuinely believe they will be in the big dance and am starting to get sensitive about it', this comp is fixed for the Cows and Broncs to fight it out!!! lol

2016-05-21T13:56:56+00:00

Renegade

Roar Guru

Haha yep, all good. It's a completely different team and a joy to watch as a fan. I think Muzz is right though, I'm struggling with the fact that the Sharks are such a real chance of taking it out this year haha! Last season, they were good but deep down I never really thought they could win it... This year I genuinely believe they will be in the big dance and am starting to get sensitive about it. When your side has never won one, it's hard not to lol...I just need to chill until September I think. And hopefully manly don't make the 8?, don't know what it is but we just struggle against your mob... even tonight, manly were on top for a large portion of the match.

2016-05-21T13:36:42+00:00

The eye

Guest

They were playing the side running twelfth,the complacency will get knocked out of them once they're back mixing it with contenders..

2016-05-21T13:34:44+00:00

eagleJack

Roar Guru

All good Rene. After a few deep breaths I've changed my tune. Your lads are looking very good this year. Strong halves and outside backs making all the difference.

2016-05-21T13:26:03+00:00

Muzz

Guest

I have to give it to Flanno. He's turned the penalty magnet Maloney into a little angel.

2016-05-21T13:25:08+00:00

Renegade

Roar Guru

Lol yeah definitely not used to it, need practice haha

2016-05-21T13:22:26+00:00

Renegade

Roar Guru

Never mind, was just friendly banter mate.