The Eels slumped to their fifth defeat from six matches.
The Eels slumped to their fifth defeat from six matches.
Souths kick off to the Cowboys, right to left on screen for those watching at home or at a pub (lucky you).
Time to roll the sleeves up.
0-0 after three minutes
The focus during the opening match of the double-header at Optus Stadium often shifted from the field to the stands.
The real shot-caller wasn’t Nicho Hynes or Braydon Trindall, although both Cronulla playmakers came up with deft touches that ultimately proved the difference. No, all eyes were on Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who holds the future of rugby league in his hands.
The Rabbitohs and Cowboys square off in the second leg of Super Saturday, with both sides desperate to bank a win after inconsistent starts to the season.
South Sydney will again look to Latrell Mitchell to provide the spark at five-eighth, with the superstar showing flashes of brilliance despite the team’s up and down form. They’re coming off two straight wins.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, are languishing near the bottom of the ladder and can’t afford another flat performance. Todd Payten’s side has struggled to finish sets and turn opportunities into points – two areas the Bunnies will be primed to exploit if their spine clicks into gear.
Kick-off is at 5:30pm AEST at Optus Stadium.
There have been several big plays, particularly in the second half, that many pundits will point to as the difference between the sides.
In my opinion, this game was won by Cronulla’s goal-line defence in the opening half. They continually turned away the Sea Eagles, who had plenty of opportunities in the red zone.
Up! Up! Cronulla!
The Sharks are back in the winner’s circle following a 24-18 victory over a Manly side that had a crack right until the final whistle.
Manly hit back with just over a minute to go, courtesy of a try that began with an intercept. Cherry-Evans got that try and quickly threw the ball to Garrick for a speedy conversion.
The Sea Eagles had 67 seconds from the restart to jag a miraculous win – and trailing by six points – but couldn’t do it.
The Sharks managed five tries to Manly’s three.
BANG.
Sharks big man Tommy Hazelton puts his (bald) head down and burrows his way over close to the line. Brute strength there from the reserve forward to get over the line when his side needed it most.
That’s Hazelton’s 11th try in the NRL.
Exactly what the Sharks needed. Manly will need a miracle.
Meanwhile, Addin Fonua-Blake is heading down the tunnel. Might have an injury.
Sharks lead 24-12 after 76 minutes
This’ll go down to the wire.
A lot of attack going on down the edges. Cherry-Evans and Hynes will be so influential in the last eight minutes.
That’s why they get paid the big bucks. Time to stand up boys.
Sharks lead 18-12 after 72 minutes
Mawene Hiroti grabs a four-pointer for Cronulla down the left wing.
Nicely done through the hands and a clever double pump from Hynes, who gives it to Ronaldo Mulitalo, who does the rest.
Once again, Hynes’ conversion is no good. That could cost Cronulla if they’re not careful.
Sharks lead 18-12 after 65 minutes