The Cronulla Sharks won a thrilling match with the New Zealand Warriors thanks to a golden point field goal from James Maloney.
REPORT: SHARKS WIN GOLDEN POINT
Final score
Cronulla Sharks 19
New Zealand Warriors 18
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The New Zealand Warriors have strung some wins together but they face an almighty test against ladder leaders the Cronulla Sharks away from home. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm AEST.
The Sharks have won their past 11 matches and continue to firm as premiership favourites with each win they acquire.
With that said, the Warriors themselves are starting to build some winning momentum following a tight 12-10 win over the Roosters last week. New Zealand though faces a real litmus test away from home against a team well in the running to secure a maiden premiership.
Cronulla have impressed significantly against the best teams in the competition this season. Wins against the Broncos, Cowboys, Storm, Bulldogs and Raiders prove that they possess the belief and class required to go all the way in 2016.
The Warriors meanwhile have underperformed significantly this season. Even with three wins on the trot, New Zealand have yet to make a significant statement against class opposition in 2016 but they get a chance to do just that against Cronulla this afternoon.
If New Zealand hope to cause a significant upset, they need to show some steel in defence. With Ben Barba, Valentine Holmes and Sosaia Feki in great form for Cronulla, the Warriors will be torn apart if they fail to improve a defence that is prone to leaking over 20 points per game this season.
The Sharks on the other hand are conceding just over 15 points a game. Throw in a functioning attack and Cronulla are firing on all cylinders and should be too strong for the Warriors if they continue their present form.
Prediction: Sharks by 10
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30pm AEST.
Jacko
Guest
The worst part is that there is some good young guys coming thru the Warriors system being blocked by this useless girraffe. Thecoach mush be being blackmailled or just plain DUMB
Renegade
Roar Guru
Cracking finish to an absorbing contest!! The best sides in the competition each year just find ways to win when the game is on the line and the 2016 Sharks have done that again. If the Warriors play like each week, they'll be playing finals footy. What about the kick from Maloney... Under enormous pressure yet Mr. Ice Cool nails the field goal for the win - awesome. 11 straight!!
Josh
Guest
Warriors did themselves proud. Sharks just got up and well done on continuing your streak. That is never easy to do
Alan
Roar Guru
Thanks Jamesb
Alan
Roar Guru
Click here for the full match report from this game What's next? Follow our Bulldogs vs Broncos live blog Final score Cronulla Sharks 19 New Zealand Warriors 18 Dally M Medal points: Michael Ennis - Once again vital out of dummy-half. Scored the opening try for the Sharks and was full of life as usual. David Fusitua - Made over 180 metres tonight while setting up a try and saving another. Very solid performance Simon Mannering - Made over 70 tackles tonight. Massive effort in defence although he did hold back Bakuya which cost the Warriors a penalty try.
Stu
Guest
Well done Sharks. Proud of the warriors tonight, even though they come away with nothing it was another strong performance (J Wright excluded)
Josh
Guest
Oh bollocks. One of my least favourites Maloney kicked the winning field goal. Never mind. Congrats to the Sharks for their 11 on the trot. That's a great run. Enjoyed the game. Thanks for the commentary
maximillian
Guest
Good game! As a Warriors fan that was a test for us so Im a lot more optimistic about our chances of making the top 8 this season. Well done Sharks, they are definitely the team to beat.
jamesb
Guest
Alan Nicolea, great commentary mate. With no tv in front of me, I was following your blog. Great job.
jamesb
Guest
Well done Sharkies!. You have given your fans some high blood pressure, but now they can all calm down. Cronulla are outright first
cam
Guest
year of the sharks
Josh
Guest
But follows up with a magic run out of his in-goal. Great to see Barba in full flight
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Fantastic kick Maloney.
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Fifita with a great run! Ennis with more yardage from dummy-half! Warriors barely holding on! Maloney with the shot and he scores!!!!!! FIELD GOAL SHARKS FULLTIME Sharks 19 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
SECOND HALF GOLDEN POINT - Warriors with possession Sharks 18 Warriors 18
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Not good game management for Johnson to be tackled on the last there.
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - Warriors with some territory to go for field goal. Chance to cause a great upset. Can they nail it. Ayshford with the break and finds Johnson on the inside! Surely now! Warriors go wide! Knock on ruled! Its all happening! HALFTIME IN GOLDEN POINT Sharks 18 Warriors 18
Josh
Guest
wow so much drama in this game. Cracker. Barba dropping the ball with nobody in front of him. omg
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Warriors with possession. These teams generally produce tight encounters and tonight is no different! Grubber put in! Barba with a superb return!!! Superb! Sharks 18 Warriors 18
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - The Sharks with all the territory in golden point. Warriors hanging on.. Sharks 18 Warriors 18