Terrific Tedesco fails to topple tough Sharks

v BYE

An absolute masterclass from Tigers fullback James Tedesco has failed to inspire the Tigers to victory on Saturday afternoon, with a gritty Sharks outfit scoring a 34-26 win at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan will be relieved with his side's first win at the ground since 2002 after a dour start to the first half saw them trail 16-6 early in the proceedings.

Such an outcome, however, looked unlikely when the talented Tedesco was struck down in the opening minutes of the clash and taken from the field with a suspected cheekbone injury. Tigers fans held their breath as their crucial attacking weapon was assisted from the field, with the Sharks consequently crossing for a soft try to Luke Lewis in the 2nd minute of the match.

Hopes for an important victory for the home side began to fade, yet, they eventually gained some momentum and ironically it was the return of the star fullback in the 15th minute that bore fruit - Tedesco's first touch back on the field was an assist for David Nofoaluma to cross for a try in the corner. From here, on the back of a stilted Cronulla attack, a fleet-footed Tedesco danced over the line for one of his own, before Chris Lawrence charged over for one of the simplest tries of 2016. To put it simply, things were getting embarrassing for one of the toughest defensive units in the NRL.

Finally, in the 35th minute the Sharks hit back in one of the most dazzling tries of 2016 with a length of the field effort resulting in a scintillating first try for James Maloney in Cronulla colours. After trailing for most of the game, Cronulla found themselves down by just 4 at the break. And the try prior to half time proved significant in the context of the game, with a string of penalties seeing Cronulla continue their momentum into the 2nd half, with Sosaia Feki finishing off a great team try to kick off the second forty.

A massive break by Valentine Holmes was squashed by none other than Tedesco before a controversial obstruction ruling denied Cronulla their 4th try of the day. And, to add salt to their wound, Tedesco would then crash over for a try shrouded by a possible obstruction. Paul Gallen was fuming, and why wouldn't he be? The Tigers suddenly found themselves back in the contest, before the Sharks skipper exacted revenge with a barge-over try.

Ben Barba would then cross over to seal a solid victory, before a Mitchell Moses intercept try was of bittersweet nature with the Sharks wrapping the game up eventual 34-26 victors.

Next week, both sides play teams tipped to battle for the spoon in 2016, but both showed promise this weekend against highly-fancied opponents. The Sharks host the Gold Coast next Sunday, whilst the Tigers travel to Newcastle on the same afternoon.