The Cronulla Sharks have kept their perfect record in Coffs Harbour going for a third straight year following a scrappy 26-6 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Starting fast, the Sharks had the first attacking opportunity which they took advantage of almost instantly when starting on the right hand side of the field, Cronulla shifted the ball left and Will Kennedy was able to leave the defence in two minds as he looked to shift the ball out to his wingers before sliding through a gap that opened up.
The Sharks had a second effort overturned by the bunker when Connor Tracey went straight through a gap at the Sharks own end but Dale Finucane standing in the defensive line prevented a defender from coming across to make a tackle and was knocked back. The Knights took advantage of their field position when Kalyn Ponga fresh on the field after passing his HIA created a hole in the defence before Bradman Best kept the ball alive for the Knights star to get the ball back to score.
It wasn't long before the Sharks hit back with some concerning ease again as they looked to shift left and Matt Moylan drew defenders in before Will Kennedy connected with his outside men to score. Nicho Hynes conversion came off the upright to go over and give the Sharks a 12-6 lead at the break.
Neither half was perfect for either side and errors mounted against the Knights which hurt them. The opening try for the Sharks came from some more Connor Tracey skill when he pulled off a 1-on-1 strip before in the ensuing set the Sharks went left again putting the Knights defence into all sorts and eventually it was Tracey who scored.
A Nicho Hynes penalty goal pushed the lead beyond a converted try though the Knights trying to catch up never looked likely of ever getting close. Inside the final 10 minutes, the Newcastle defence was fragile yet again as they couldn't wrap the ball up and Royce Hunt who initially bent the line ended up back with it and going through the gap he originally created.
The 26-6 victory for the Sharks wasn't one for the gallery but will give them confidence heading into the bye before a big clash with the Broncos. Meanwhile, it will be an interesting week for the Knights as they have a clash with the Manly Sea Eagles back at home.