Kris send-off sees Sharks secure sixth

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Canberra Raiders

The Cronulla Sharks have secured a home final with a 24-6 victory over the Canberra Raiders 24-6 in a match which saw Sebastian Kris sent from the field for a dangerous tackle.

The Sharks held a 10-6 lead approaching the hour mark when the Raiders outside back was sent from the field for a dangerous tackle on Sione Katoa; the home side, buoyed by their extra man advantage, finished strongly with three late tries to the delight of 12,750 supporters in Wade Graham's final regular season appearance at home.

Jordan Rapana (4th minute) gave the visitors a dream start by outleaping his opposite number Connor Tracey for a try in his 200th NRL game; the 34-year-old outside back became the fourth player alongside Brett Mullins, Jason Croker and Jarrod Croker to score 100 tries for Canberra in first grade.

Making the most of field position afforded by a successful challenge, the Sharks responded with Jesse Ramien (15th minute) finishing off a right-side shift close to the sideline.

In a closely fought opening which saw both sides struggle to gain ascendancy, the visitors came closest to adding to the scoreboard with Rapana and Zac Woolford denied by the barest of margins, while a wayward field goal attempt from Matt Frawley as the siren sounded saw the Raiders take a 6-4 lead to the sheds.

Striking a crucial blow following a powerhouse set whish saw Cronulla players dominate through the middle of the field, an inside pass from Nicho Hynes allowed Jack Williams (53rd minute) to put the home side in front for the first time.

With the match poised to go either way heading into the final quarter, a dangerous tackle from Kris on Katoa saw the Canberra winger sent from the field and the Raiders hopes of hosting a home final evaporate.

Taking immediate advantage with Braydon Trindall (60th minute) touching down underneath the posts, the Sharks guaranteed a home final when Ronaldo Mulitalo (63rd minute) touched down out wide.

A late try to Katoa (71st minute) saw the Sharks run out winners to give captain Wade Graham one final appearance at PointsBet Stadium next weekend before retirement.

Next week, the Sharks will host the Roosters at home in an Elimination Final on Saturday evening, while the Raiders will face the Knights at Newcastle in an Elimination Final on Sunday afternoon.