Bird stars as Sharks break through against Roosters

In only his second game in first grade, Jack Bird has produced a Man of the Match performance to see the Cronulla Sharks win their first game of the season, upsetting the Sydney Roosters 20-12 in front of 12,004 fans at Allianz Stadium.

Playing out of position at five-eighth, Bird, the former St. George Illawarra junior, crossed for two tries including the match-winner along with setting up another to see the Sharks claim their first win since July last year.

Having lost their opening four matches of the season, the Sharks dominated possession early but were unable to overcome the Roosters defence.

With 30 minutes passed, the Sharks finally crossed through Bird, making a tremendous break from inside the Roosters half before standing up Roger Tuivasa-Scheck to cross in the corner.

With Michael Gordon unable to convert, the Sharks took a four-point lead into the halftime break.

With the Sharks maintaining over 60% of first-half possession, the Roosters were expected to bounce back in the second half with an even share of the ball, but the determined Cronulla side had other intentions.

Inside the first ten minutes of the second half, the Sharks crossed twice through fullback Valentine Holmes following a Jack Bird grubber, while Luke Lewis was able to relive his days as a winger to outleap two Roosters to help the Sharks establish a 14-0 lead.

With the Sharks producing their best performance of the season, the Roosters needed a spark to give them a chance with time running out.

With time running out, the Roosters crossed for two quick tries in the 65th and 70th minutes through Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Mitchell Aubusson to reduce the score-line to just two points.

From the kick-off, Roosters captain Mitchell Pearce knocked on in-goal to give the Sharks the opportunity they needed to claim their first win of the season.

Having debuted last week, Jack Bird took on the line from close range to secure victory, allowing the travelling Cronulla fans the chance to belt out ‘Up, Up, Cronulla' for the first time in 2015.

For the Sharks, a collective performance from all 17 players paved the way for the victory. Starring roles from Chris Heighington early on established the win, while youngsters Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird finished off a number of attacking raids.

For the Roosters, Roger Tuivasa-Scheck produced a phenomenal performance in defeat, running for over 300 metres, the Kiwi international scored one of the best tries of the year to get the home side on the board. While bench forwards Kane Evans and Willie Manu, playing his first game in the NRL since 2005, made solid contributions in defeat.

Both sides will feature on Friday night in Round 6 with the Roosters travelling to Brisbane to take on the in-form Brisbane Broncos, while the Sharks will be looking to post their first win at Remondis Stadium in almost twelve months against the Newcastle Knights.

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Jack Bird
2 points - Chris Heighington
1 point - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (12)
Tries: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Mitchell Aubusson
Conversions: James Maloney (2/2)

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (20)
Tries: Jack Bird (2), Valentine Holmes, Luke Lewis
Conversions: Michael Gordon (2/4)

Welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of Easter Sunday rugby league between Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters have started the season with a 3-1 record, while the Sharks have yet to register their first competition points, going down last week to the Gold Coast at home.

For the Roosters, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is out with a calf strain sustained in the warm up in last week's win over the Raiders. With the Kiwi prop out, Dylan Napa will start the game in the front row, while Willie Manu will play his first game in the NRL since Round 16, 2005.

For the Sharks, Jayson Bukuya is replaced by former Rooster Tinirau Arona on the bench, while Andrew Fifita will start the game alongside Chris Heighington in the front row with Matt Prior shifting back to the interchange bench.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has responded to the poor start to the year by making a number of positional changes including moving Valentine Holmes to fullback as well as elevating former Dragons Under 20s player Jack Bird to Five-Eighth.

Despite the contrasting fortunes of both clubs in recent seasons, Cronulla have maintained a surprisingly strong form-line over the Roosters, coming away with five wins and a draw since 2010.

Cronulla fans will be hoping the Sharks can replicate last year's performance against the Roosters, coming from 24-0 down to win 30-28. While Valentine Holmes will also be out to emulate the feats of former Sharks fullback Nathan Gardner who produced one of the best individual tries of the decade against the Roosters back in 2010 playing at fullback.

James Maloney kicks off and Paul Gallen takes the first run of the day.

1: Cronulla have shown a willingness to pass the ball early. Positive signs from the Sharks.

2: Mitchell Pearce bombs but Sosaia Feki is on the spot to take the ball.

4: James Maloney makes an error on the last tackle. Cronulla will start the set inside the Roosters half.

5: Chris Heighington loses the ball attempting an offload but the referee has ruled Matt McIlwrick knocked the ball on. Sharks scrum 20 metres out.

6: Luke Lewis is tackled only a metre out from the line.

7: Issac Liu is able to cover up a Michael Ennis grubber resulting in a line drop out.

8: Luke Lewis is over the line but has been held up. Positive signs from the Sharks.

8: Nene MacDonald is unable to clean up Jeff Robson's cross field kick. Line drop out.

9: Chris Heighington has been tremendous early on, making great metres and offloading the ball.

9: Sosaia Feki is claiming a Try. Ben Cummins has ruled No Try. On first viewing it looks unlikely Feki has gotten to Wade Graham's kick in time.

9: No Try. 20 metre re-start to the Roosters.

10: Mitchell Pearce makes a great run but loses the ball.

11: Roosters have had limited chances but have looked dangerous with the ball.

11: Penalty to Cronulla for a dangerous throw on Chris Heighington.

13: Cronulla throw an abysmal pass on the last but Shaun Kenny-Dowall knocks on.

13: Chris Heighington loses the ball with space on the right. The Sharks compound the error by conceding a penalty.

14: Sam Moa has dropped the ball cold 20 metres out from the Sharks line.

15: For as little possession as the Roosters have had, they have made easy metres.

16: Jeff Robson bombs for Sosaia Feki but Nene MacDonald is able to make amends taking it on the full.

17: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck is able to beat two Sharks chasers to the ball.

18: Daniel Tupou loses the ball giving the Sharks another attacking chance 10 metres out.

19: Jeff Robson throws a dummy but is taken by two Roosters close to the line.

19: Daniel Tupou beats Michael Gordon to Jeff Robson's cross field kick. Pressure off the Roosters once again.

20: Mitchell Aubusson is on replacing Matt McIlwrick.

20: Kane Evans is on for Sam Moa.

21: Stats show the Sharks have had 20 tackles in the opposition 20 compared to the Roosters 1.

22: Valentine Holmes is able to defuse a bomb on the wing.

22: The Sharks appear to be implementing rotating fullbacks between Holmes and Gordon.

23: Anthony Tupou is on for Chris Heighington.

23: Cronulla get a penalty inside their half.

24: David Fifita is on replacing his brother.

25: Jeff Robson puts in a woeful last tackle kick. A better side would have put on 20-points with the amount of opportunities the Sharks have had.

26: Shaun Kenny-Dowall makes a great break, but James Maloney opts to kick with a two man overlap.

27: Sio Siua Taukeiaho is on for the Roosters replacing Issac Liu.

28: Nene MacDonald takes another bomb from Jeff Robson.

29: Paul Gallen is off being assessed for concussion. Matt Prior is on as his replacement.

30: With 30 minutes gone both sides are still yet to score, but the Roosters have only had 37% of possession. Once they get an even share expect the Roosters to score some points.

31: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Jack Bird. Kick to come.
Out of no where, the new number six makes a tremendous break to cross out wide. Finally the Sharks have numbers on the board.

32: Willie Manu is on for the Roosters. The former Tiger, Rabbitoh and Dragon has spent the last decade playing in England, winning a premiership with St. Helens last year.

33: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon unsuccessful.
From the right sideline, Gordon is unable to extend the Sharks lead.

34: Bird showed great speed to score that try. In the lower grades with the Dragons he spent plenty of time in the centres and made quite an impact at the Auckland Nines on the wing.

37: Michael Ennis puts a huge bomb up for Daniel Tupou but Luke Lewis takes the Roosters winger early giving away a penalty.

37: Good run from Willie Manu puts the Roosters inside the Cronulla half.

38: Jack Bird gets out of the in goal after big pressure from three Roosters.

40: Valentine Holmes is into space but can't play the ball quickly enough as the halftime siren goes.

40: Cronulla have dominated possession 61%-39%, while they have been tackled 24 times to the Roosters 2 inside the opposition 20 metres.

40: Best performers so far for the Sharks have been Jack Bird who has starred with his running game, along with an astute kicking performance. Chris Heighington starred for Cronulla early on with a willingness to offload the ball.

40: Paul Gallen has been cleared to return to the field after passing a concussion test following a hit by Dylan Napa.

40: Aidan Guerra is being checked for a concussion test after an accidental knee to the head by Michael Gordon in the final moments of the first half.

40: The Roosters have had limited chances so far, but have stood up to the Cronulla attack for the most part. Considering the weight of possession in favour of the Sharks, the Roosters will feel well placed to bounce back to claim their 4th win of the year.

40: After a false start, Valentine Holmes gets the second half underway.

41: Sosaia Feki loses the ball inside his own 30 metres. Big chance for the Roosters to open their account.

42: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck loses the ball. Pressure back off the Sharks.

43: With Aidan Guerra being assessed for concussion, Matt McIlwrick has gone to Hooker with Mitchell Aubusson shifting to the second row.

43: Ricky Leutele makes a huge bust finding Sosaia Feki who is tackled just short of the line.

43: Possible Cronulla Try to Valentine Holmes.

44: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Valentine Holmes. Kick to come.
Jack Bird follows up his own try with an assist for Holmes who is playing on the wing.

44: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful.
The former Panther is able to just get the ball over the sticks.

45: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck is on the spot to take Jeff Robson's bomb.

48: Sio Siua Taukeiaho makes a good run but Michael Gordon is able to gather in James Maloney's subsequent bomb.

48: Cronulla get a penalty for a strip on Andrew Fifita.

49: Aidan Guerra has been ruled out of the game reducing the Roosters to 16 men.

49: Valentine Holmes makes a good run but is just short of the Roosters try line.

50: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Luke Lewis. Kick to come.
After being denied early on in the first half, the comer Panther is able to leap high to put the Sharks up by more than two converted tries.

52: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon unsuccessful.
That miss may well prove costly, but at this stage the Sharks are well on top.

53: Andrew Fifita is down after a high shot from Mitchell Pearce but referee Ben Cummins has allowed play to continue without a penalty.

54: James Maloney bombs but Sosaia Feki is able to clean up.

55: Wade Graham earns a strip. If the Sharks can cross here, the Sharks may well have their first win for 2015.

56: Sam Moa is on the spot to clean up a poor pass from Michael Ennis on the Roosters goal line.

56: James Maloney looks for a 40/20 but Valentine Holmes is able to clean up.

57: Jack Bird puts a bit too much on his kick straight to Roger Tuivasa-Scheck.

58: Michael Jennings makes a strong run, the Roosters are finally in an attacking position.

58: Jack Bird has cleaned up James Maloney's grubber. With Ben Barba due back next week, Shane Flanagan may well have to find the former Dally M winner a new spot in the team.

59: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck makes a 40 metre run but a tackle by Michael Ennis has left both players hurt after a head clash.

59: Michael Ennis has come out worst for wear and to add insult to injury the Roosters have been awarded a penalty.

60: The Roosters have lost possession during an attacking raid after a Mitchell Pearce forward pass.

60: Michael Ennis has gone off to receive treatment for the head clash.

62: Great defence by three Sharks on Nene MacDonald forces the Roosters back on their line.

63: Chris Heighington is back on replacing Paul Gallen.

64: Jeff Robson is playing hooker in Ennis' absence with Wade Graham filling in the halves.

64: James Maloney has thrown a pass straight into the crowd. Things just aren't going the Roosters way today.

66: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Kick to come.
The Roosters Fullback finally gets the home side on the board making a 50 metre run. Can the Roosters come back or will the Sharks be able to break through for their first win of 2015.

67: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney successful.
Maloney converts to put the Roosters back in the contest.

68: The Roosters bomb for Nene MacDonald but Valentine Holmes is able to take the ball.

69: Wade Graham's clearing kick forces the Roosters to start the set deep in their own end.

70: TRY SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Scored by Mitchell Aubusson. Kick to come.
After some classy offloads the Roosters are right back in the contest.

71: A great run by Issac Liu put Aubusson over in the corner who showed the pace reminiscent of his earlier days as a centre.

71: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Conversion attempt by James Maloney successful.
The Sharks won't want to give away a penalty close to the posts, down by only two now.

72: Paul Gallen is back on, can the Sharks captain get them home.

72: Mitchell Pearce has knocked on in-goal. Line drop-out to the Sharks.

73: Jeff Robson takes the line on but is taken down just short.

74: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Jack Bird. Kick to come.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have seen a future star show his talent. Take a bow, Jack Bird.

75: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Conversion attempt by Michael Gordon successful.
From right in-front, the Sharks have an eight point lead.

76: The Roosters have come up with the ball from the short kick off.

77: Daniel Tupou crosses for a try but the referee has ruled Michael Jennings pass forward.

77: Michael Jennings has put a big shot on Luke Lewis which has hurt the Sharks #11.

77: Michael Jennings is on report.

77: Luke Lewis is coming off, replaced by Anthony Tupou.

79: Cronulla have been caught with the ball on the last but with only 50 seconds remaining the Sharks will be singing Up, Up, Cronulla tonight.

80: Anthony Tupou takes Mitchell Pearce in the final play of the game.

80: They've done it. The Sharks have broken through for their first win of the season.