Sharks Sink Roosters to Keep Finals Dream Alive
What a night it was in the NRL finals as the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks held their nerve and pulled off a hard-fought 20–10 victory over the Sydney Roosters. This wasn’t just any win. For the Sharks, it was a statement — a message that they are no longer the same side that has stumbled so often in September. This triumph has pushed them through to the second week of the finals and, perhaps more importantly, it has helped erase the scars of past disappointments.
The Roosters had been one of the form teams leading into the finals, and many believed they were primed to make a deep run. Early in the game, it even looked like they would. Mark Nawaqanitawase got the Roosters on the board first with one of his trademark acrobatic finishes, leaving Sharks fans worried that history might repeat itself. But then came Ronaldo Mulitalo, the man who so often thrives when the pressure rises. Mulitalo struck back not once, but twice, both times set up beautifully by Braydon Trindall. The first came just before halftime when Nawaqanitawase overcommitted in defense, and the second followed moments later after a Roosters mistake. Suddenly, Cronulla were in control, leading 12–4, and the crowd could feel the shift in momentum.
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Still, this was a contest where both sides had their chances. Sam Walker, playing with poise for the Roosters, created opportunities and even helped close the gap when a sharp grubber kick set up Angus Crichton to score. At 12–10, the game was back in the balance, and it seemed like anyone’s night. But the difference was composure. The Sharks didn’t panic, even as the Roosters dominated field position for stretches. Cronulla held their defensive line, soaked up the pressure, and then struck late. With just minutes remaining, Toby Rudolf barged through three defenders to seal the win, sending the Sharks bench and their fans into celebration.
For Cronulla, this was more than just a scoreboard result. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon spoke afterward about the resilience his side has built. He admitted that the Sharks have “experienced a fair bit of pain” in recent years, but he insisted this team is different — tougher, calmer, and ready for the challenge of finals football. His players proved that on the night, especially Mulitalo, whose fearless approach embodied the Sharks’ fighting spirit.
For the Roosters, though, it was the end of the road. While the result stings, this season has uncovered bright spots. Walker has matured after returning from a serious knee injury, and young talents like Nawaqanitawase showed glimpses of what the future may hold. Coach Trent Robinson reflected on the year as a building block, acknowledging that the foundation for the Roosters’ next era may have been laid even in defeat.
In the end, the Sharks were rewarded for making the most of their chances. Their defense held firm, their attack clicked when it mattered, and their composure under pressure proved decisive. Now, they march on to face either Canberra or Brisbane in what promises to be another do-or-die battle. For Cronulla, the finals journey continues — and this time, they look ready to make it last.
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