NRL Match Review & Judiciary Charges: 2024 Round 7
2 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Sharks steal victory in Wollongong
The Cronulla Sharks have stolen victory over the Dragons with a 80th minute try to Andrew Fifita to win 22-18 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
The Sharks managed to steal the win despite having just 50% completion rate in the match.
Jason Nightingale starred in the first half as his skillful hands led to two Dragons tries. Nightingale raced 80 metres downfield through broken play to set up the Dragons' first try. Nightingale on the next play dived under the posts. Dragons out to a 6-0 lead after just 5 minutes.
Nightingale in the action just 3 minutes later as his cut out pass put Brett Morris over in the corner. Stanley on fire with his conversion attempts, Dragons 12-0 after 8 minutes.
The Cronulla Sharks failed to bring any polish to Wollongong as their errors cost them possession and chances. However, the Sharks did manage to cross the line just once in the first half with Ben Pomeroy. Dragons ahead 12-6 after 16 minutes.
The Dragons were on song tonight as Brett Morris posted his second try of the contest thanks to a header from Charly Runciman. After review from the video referee, the try was awarded and the Dragons out to 18-6.
Cronulla unable to get into the match as they trailed 18-6 at half time.
The second half started poorly for the Sharks as a forward pass was ruled from the kick off as Carney passed to Andrew Fifita.
Luck did turn for the Sharks as Jeff Robson fooled the sliding Dragons defence with a show and go to. He offload to Isaac De Gois who strolled over for the Sharks. Todd Carney closed the gap to just 6 points, Dragons 18-12 with 23 minutes on the clock.
Amazing the Sharks turned their form around scoring another two tries to steal the win inside the final 6 minutes. Beau Ryan cleaned up a mistake from Jason Nightingale to score. Luke Lewis was originally offside from the kick but wasn't ruled on. Carney under pressure unable to convert as the Sharks trailed 18-16.
In an incredulous turn of luck for the Sharks, Andrew Fifita raced through the line off a kick from Jeff Robson to beat Jason Nightingale to ground the ball. To the delight of Sharks fans in Wollongong, the try awarded and the game over, Sharks winning 22-18.
Match Details
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Crowd: 11,853
Halftime Score: St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-6
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Andrew Fifita
2 points - Jason Nightingale
1 point - Mitch Rein
ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS (18)
Tries: Jason Nightingale, Brett Morris (2)
Field Goals: Nathan Fien (0/1)
Conversions: Chase Stanley (3/3)
Penalty Goals:
CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (22)
Tries: Ben Pomeroy, Isaac De Gois, Beau Ryan, Andrew Fifita
Field Goals:
Conversions: Todd Carney (3/4)
Penalty Goals:
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
TEAM NEWS: One change on the bench for the Dragons, Bronson Harrison onto to the interchange in jersey 18 in place of Josh Drinkwater
Meanwhile for the Sharks: Sam Tagataese and Chris Heighington come into the starting side. Andrew Fifita and Jayson Bukuya shift to the bench.
Dragons: 1. Jason Nightingale 2. Brett Morris 3. Chase Stanley 4. Daniel Vidot 5. Charly Runciman 6. Adam Quinlan 7. Nathan Fien 8. Jack Stockwell 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh (c) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Leeson Ah Mau 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Matt Prior 15. Michael Weyman 16. Will Matthews 18. Bronson Harrison
Sharks: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Jonathan Wright 5. Beau Ryan 6. Todd Carney 7. Jeff Robson 16. Sam Tagataese 9. John Morris 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Luke Lewis 15. Chris Heighington 13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: 12. Jayson Bukuya 14. Isaac De Gois 8. Andrew Fifita 17. Anthony Tupou 18 Ben Ross
Meanwhile for the Sharks: Sam Tagataese and Chris Heighington come into the starting side. Andrew Fifita and Jayson Bukuya shift to the bench.
Dragons: 1. Jason Nightingale 2. Brett Morris 3. Chase Stanley 4. Daniel Vidot 5. Charly Runciman 6. Adam Quinlan 7. Nathan Fien 8. Jack Stockwell 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh (c) 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Leeson Ah Mau 13. Jack de Belin
Interchange: 14. Matt Prior 15. Michael Weyman 16. Will Matthews 18. Bronson Harrison
Sharks: 1. Michael Gordon 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Jonathan Wright 5. Beau Ryan 6. Todd Carney 7. Jeff Robson 16. Sam Tagataese 9. John Morris 10. Bryce Gibbs 11. Luke Lewis 15. Chris Heighington 13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: 12. Jayson Bukuya 14. Isaac De Gois 8. Andrew Fifita 17. Anthony Tupou 18 Ben Ross
1 min: We are UNDERWAY at WIN Stadium in Wollongong as Todd Carney gets us underway with the kick off. A strong wind at the backs of the Dragons in the first half
1 min: First penalty of the night, kick for line sees the Sharks attack from the halfway line
2 min: Todd Carney with a pin-point kick to the in goal, Nathan Fien forces the ball over the dead ball line. Dragons concede a line drop out as a result
5 min: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Jason Nightingale. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Jason Nightingale has backed his massive 90 metre run downfield with a try. Luke Lewis eventually chased down the Dragons fullback, however on the next play the Dragons claimed points as Nightingale dived under the posts. Chase Stanley with no mistakes with the goal from in front
St. George Illawarra Dragons 6-0
Scored by Jason Nightingale. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Jason Nightingale has backed his massive 90 metre run downfield with a try. Luke Lewis eventually chased down the Dragons fullback, however on the next play the Dragons claimed points as Nightingale dived under the posts. Chase Stanley with no mistakes with the goal from in front
St. George Illawarra Dragons 6-0
6 min: Todd Carney with a shocking kick restart, goes out on the full. Penalty for the Dragons on halfway
8 min: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Brett Morris. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Jason Nightingale has continued his feiry form as he provided a beautiful cut out pass for Brett Morris to stroll over in the corner for the Dragons second. Chase Stanley with the conversion attempt slots the extras
St. George Illawarra Dragons 12-0
Scored by Brett Morris. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Jason Nightingale has continued his feiry form as he provided a beautiful cut out pass for Brett Morris to stroll over in the corner for the Dragons second. Chase Stanley with the conversion attempt slots the extras
St. George Illawarra Dragons 12-0
10 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Sosaia Feki makes an unforced error.
Feki comes up with a mistake off the bomb from the Dragons. Scrum for Dragons, 10m out
Sosaia Feki makes an unforced error.
Feki comes up with a mistake off the bomb from the Dragons. Scrum for Dragons, 10m out
11 min: Beau Ryan is forced to play at the ball in goal after a great kick from Mitch Rein out of dummy half. Line drop out for the Dragons
12 min: Penalty to the Dragons for a slow release from the Sharks. Ben Creagh charges from the quick tap to start the Dragons 10 metres out
12 min: Penalty to the Sharks now as the Dragons ran an obstruction looking for their third try of the night.
13 min: Todd Carney with a great kick, aimed and hit the posts. Jason Nightingale trapped in goal as he cleaned up the grubber kick, line drop out for the Sharks
16 min: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Ben Pomeroy. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
Ben Pomeroy has fended away from the Dragons defence as he slipped away to post the Sharks first try. Todd Carney with the conversion from the sideline is successful
St. George Illawarra Dragons 12-6
Scored by Ben Pomeroy. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
Ben Pomeroy has fended away from the Dragons defence as he slipped away to post the Sharks first try. Todd Carney with the conversion from the sideline is successful
St. George Illawarra Dragons 12-6
17 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Paul Gallen makes an unforced error.
Paul Gallen with a simple error drops the ball off a floating pass from Todd Carney. Scrum for the Dragons on halfway
Paul Gallen makes an unforced error.
Paul Gallen with a simple error drops the ball off a floating pass from Todd Carney. Scrum for the Dragons on halfway
18 min: Penalty to the Dragons against Todd Carney. Dragons attack 20 metres out from the free kick
21 min: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Nathan Fien makes an unforced error.
Nathan Fien grabbed at the ball as the kick was batted back in field from the Sharks. Cronulla will be on the attack 10 metres out through a scrum feed.
Nathan Fien makes an unforced error.
Nathan Fien grabbed at the ball as the kick was batted back in field from the Sharks. Cronulla will be on the attack 10 metres out through a scrum feed.
21 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Sharks, Paul Gallen with a charging run but we have NO TRY. Obstruction the call here.
21 min: NO TRY is awarded to the Sharks as Ben Creagh wasn't given an opportunity to make a tackle as the decoy runner blocked him. Paul Gallen is denied the Sharks second try
23 min: Knock on against Feki. Another line drop out for the Dragons
24 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Dragons, Brett Morris has scored. We have a TRY. Looking at knock on
25 min: TRY ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Scored by Brett Morris. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Brett Morris claims his second four-pointer as Adam Quinlan threw a cut out pass which bounced off the head of Charly Runciman. Video referee happy with the try as it was awarded despite a question remaining on whether Morris was onside. Chase Stanley has brought his kicking boots with a beautiful strike from the sideline.
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-6
Scored by Brett Morris. Conversion attempt by Chase Stanley successful.
Brett Morris claims his second four-pointer as Adam Quinlan threw a cut out pass which bounced off the head of Charly Runciman. Video referee happy with the try as it was awarded despite a question remaining on whether Morris was onside. Chase Stanley has brought his kicking boots with a beautiful strike from the sideline.
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-6
29 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Anthony Tupou makes an unforced error.
Anthony Tupou juggled and dropped the ball as he charged into the Dragons defence. The RedV back on the attack 10 metres out
Anthony Tupou makes an unforced error.
Anthony Tupou juggled and dropped the ball as he charged into the Dragons defence. The RedV back on the attack 10 metres out
30 min: Charly Runciman is forced over the sideline as #RedV spread to the right. Scrum feed packs for the Sharks 10 metres off their own line
33 min: Andrew Fifita too slow in the ruck. Penalty to the Dragons, they find the line and attack 35 metres out
34 min: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Michael Weyman makes an unforced error.
Knock on against Michael Weyman. Time off, looking at the tackle here with the video review
Michael Weyman makes an unforced error.
Knock on against Michael Weyman. Time off, looking at the tackle here with the video review
34 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Andrew Fifita makes an unforced error.
Andrew Fifita tried to play the ball before the tackle was completed. Scrum to the Dragons 40 metres from the Sharks try line
Andrew Fifita makes an unforced error.
Andrew Fifita tried to play the ball before the tackle was completed. Scrum to the Dragons 40 metres from the Sharks try line
37 min: Great charging set from the Sharks, earned a penalty on the last tackle for a late release. Sharks 20 metres from the Dragons try line
38 min: The Sharks push in the scrum and win against the feed. Cronulla attack 10 metres out
38 min: Penalty to the Sharks as Mitch Rein was too long in the tackle. Sharks 2 metres out
38 min: Another penalty to the Sharks, Dragons too slow in the ruck. Sin bin has to be used soon. On the first charge, Andrew Fifita is held up in goal. Back to the 10 metre line for the Sharks
39 min: The official warning coming from Ben Cummins as the Dragons conceded four straight penalties. No sin binned used yet.
40 min: HALF TIME at WIN Stadium in Wollongong sees an upset on the cards as the Dragons lead the Sharks 18-6
41 min: Second half is UNDERWAY as the Dragons kick off and lead the Sharks 18-6
41 min: Forward pass ruled from Todd Carney to Andrew Fifita from the first play off the kick off. Horrible start to the second half for the Sharks. Scrum for the Dragons 10 metres out
43 min: Jason Nightingale is down. VIDEO REFEREE for the Sharks, we have NO TRY for Sharks
43 min: NO TRY for Anthony Tupou who is beaten to the ball by Jason Nightingale who was cleaned up by Feki. Line drop out is the call as Nightingale managed to ground the ball in goal
44 min: Sosaia Feki is denied the Sharks 2nd try. Forward pass ruled as Todd Carney threw a floating pass right. Scrum feed to the Dragons on their 10 metre line
49 min: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Chase Stanley makes an unforced error.
Chase Stanley coming up with a mistake off the jump for the ball. Luckily call for the Sharks as they will get a scrum feed 10 metres off their own line
Chase Stanley makes an unforced error.
Chase Stanley coming up with a mistake off the jump for the ball. Luckily call for the Sharks as they will get a scrum feed 10 metres off their own line
50 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Luke Lewis makes an unforced error.
Luke Lewis juggled the ball as he charged into the Dragons defence. The Sharks can't get on a roll here tonight. Zero tackle called for the Dragons as they attack 35 metres out
Luke Lewis makes an unforced error.
Luke Lewis juggled the ball as he charged into the Dragons defence. The Sharks can't get on a roll here tonight. Zero tackle called for the Dragons as they attack 35 metres out
51 min: Daniel Vidot jumped for the ball in the corner, but unable to hold the ball. 20 metre tap called for the Sharks
52 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Michael Gordon makes an unforced error.
Michael Gordon jumped for the kick and just got a hand to the ball and knocked on. Scrum for the Dragons 10 metres off their own line
Michael Gordon makes an unforced error.
Michael Gordon jumped for the kick and just got a hand to the ball and knocked on. Scrum for the Dragons 10 metres off their own line
54 min: Jon Wright with an offload on the last tackle as seen Feki knock the ball over the sideline. Change over for the Dragons
55 min: UNFORCED ERROR ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Mitch Rein makes an unforced error.
Mitch Rein getting monsters by Paul Gallen in the ruck and the ball came free. Scrum feed for the Sharks 30 metres from the Dragons line
Mitch Rein makes an unforced error.
Mitch Rein getting monsters by Paul Gallen in the ruck and the ball came free. Scrum feed for the Sharks 30 metres from the Dragons line
57 min: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Isaac De Gois. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
Jeff Robson with a show and go, fooled the sliding Dragons defence to offload to Isaac De Gois who strolled over for the Sharks. Todd Carney with the conversion attempt closed the gap to just 6 points
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-12
Scored by Isaac De Gois. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
Jeff Robson with a show and go, fooled the sliding Dragons defence to offload to Isaac De Gois who strolled over for the Sharks. Todd Carney with the conversion attempt closed the gap to just 6 points
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-12
59 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Sosaia Feki makes an unforced error.
Sosaia Feki unable to take the catch from kick and comes up with the error. Change over 10 metres out from their own line
Sosaia Feki makes an unforced error.
Sosaia Feki unable to take the catch from kick and comes up with the error. Change over 10 metres out from their own line
62 min: Penalty to the Dragons for late contact on Nathan Fien from Sam Tagataese. Dragons kick for line and attack 20 metres out
62 min: ZERO TACKLE for the Dragons, attacking 10 metres out from the Sharks line.
64 min: 64' Beau Ryan with a great catch under pressure. He earns a 20m restart as a result
65 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Paul Gallen makes an unforced error.
Paul Gallen just getting a touch on the pass, knocked down and it's a zero tackle for the Dragons
Paul Gallen makes an unforced error.
Paul Gallen just getting a touch on the pass, knocked down and it's a zero tackle for the Dragons
67 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Isaac De Gois makes an unforced error.
Isaac De Gois has come up with another mistake as he looked to offload in the ruck. Another error sees the Dragons come up with possession through a scrum feed 40 metres out
Isaac De Gois makes an unforced error.
Isaac De Gois has come up with another mistake as he looked to offload in the ruck. Another error sees the Dragons come up with possession through a scrum feed 40 metres out
69 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Sharks! Luke Lewis has crossed. Looking at double movement
69 min: Penalty to the Dragons, Luke Lewis is penalised for a double movement as he promoted the ball with a second attempt
70 min: Time off here with Luke Lewis down in play. Getting a look from the trainers, and should remain on the field
70 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Dragons. Brett Morris is claiming, but NO TRY is called
70 min: Brett Morris is denied as a knock on was ruled in the lead up to the possible try. Change over for the Sharks on their own 10 metre line
71 min: UNFORCED ERROR CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Andrew Fifita makes an unforced error.
Another dropped ball from the Sharks, Fifita with a poor play of the ball. Scrum for the Dragons 30 metres off their own line
Andrew Fifita makes an unforced error.
Another dropped ball from the Sharks, Fifita with a poor play of the ball. Scrum for the Dragons 30 metres off their own line
72 min: UNSUCCESSFUL FIELD GOAL ST. GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Field goal attempt by Nathan Fien unsuccessful.
Nathan Fien with an attempt at field goal pushes it wide of the posts
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-12
Field goal attempt by Nathan Fien unsuccessful.
Nathan Fien with an attempt at field goal pushes it wide of the posts
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-12
73 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Sharks, Beau Ryan is claiming. We have a TRY. Looking at the grounding
74 min: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Beau Ryan. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney unsuccessful.
Beau Ryan has been awarded the try as he cleaned up the mistake from Jason Nightingale to score. Luke Lewis was originally offside from the kick but wasn't ruled on. Todd Carney from the sideline misses the kick
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-16
Scored by Beau Ryan. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney unsuccessful.
Beau Ryan has been awarded the try as he cleaned up the mistake from Jason Nightingale to score. Luke Lewis was originally offside from the kick but wasn't ruled on. Todd Carney from the sideline misses the kick
St. George Illawarra Dragons 18-16
77 min: Nightingale comes up with the kick and the Dragons have it 20m off their own line, a poor kick from the Sharks on the last tackle.
78 min: Time off with a scrum for the Sharks. Fien's kick ruled not played at by the Sharks. They have possession 25 metres off their own line
79 min: 79:08 - VIDEO REFEREE for the Sharks, Andrew Fifita is claiming. We have a TRY for Sharks
80 min: TRY CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Scored by Andrew Fifita. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
TRY is awarded for the Cronulla Sharks as Fifita raced through the Dragons defence to dive on the loose ball. It appeared that Jason Nightingale got a hand on the ball first, but the video referee awarded try to Sharks. Todd Carney with the conversion extended the lead.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22-18
Scored by Andrew Fifita. Conversion attempt by Todd Carney successful.
TRY is awarded for the Cronulla Sharks as Fifita raced through the Dragons defence to dive on the loose ball. It appeared that Jason Nightingale got a hand on the ball first, but the video referee awarded try to Sharks. Todd Carney with the conversion extended the lead.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 22-18
80 min: FULL TIME at WIN Stadium in Wollongong as seen a crazy finish to the game as the Sharks have stolen victory 22-18 over the Dragons