Sharks light up magic round in points fest over the Roosters

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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Roosters

There was no shortage of points as the Cronulla Sharks have kept their spot at the top of the NRL ladder with a 38-30 win over the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.

The Sharks opened the scoring within 60 seconds as they looked to spread the ball early and they found the Roosters napping as Will Kennedy was able to clean up the spilt kick at the back to score. Nicho Hynes conversion gave the Sharks a 6-0 lead.

Despite the fast start from the Sharks, the Roosters were able to hit back soon after when off the back of a set restart, the Tricolours got into attacking position as Sam Walker drew in defenders before Suaalii and Young combined to score the visitors opener. The Roosters took the lead a few minutes later when Sam Walker slotted a penalty goal.

The tit-for-tat nature of the game was on show as Sione Katoa was able to put the Sharks back into the lead as Jesse Ramien drew in the defence before Katoa flew for the corner.

Hitting back, the Roosters then scored through Daniel Tupou flew over the top for the Sharks defence to score and the scores were level when Sam Walker couldn't convert.

Cronulla hit the lead again after a brain fade from James Tedesco to let a 40/20 go out and Nicho Hynes was able to set up Teig Wilton to score

The Roosters went bang bang to end the first half as Fetalaiga Pauga scored a double when Spencer Leniu put him through and then scoring in the corner on the stroke of half time after a Sharks error. Sam Walker converted both kick for a 24-18 lead at the break.

It wasn't the start to the second half the Roosters wanted as Sifa Talakai should've been stopped by 4 Roosters defenders before getting his way to the line to score. Nicho Hynes converted to level the scores.

The Roosters became their worst enemy as they looked to begin playing catch-up football as they began throwing unnecessary passes and it came back to haunt them initially as the Sharks took the lead through a penalty goal and then conceded a Ronaldo Mulitalo try.

Despite leading 32-24, things weren't done for the Sharks as the Roosters scored in the corner to make it interesting as Sam Walker's conversion closed the score to 32-30.

The Sharks though sealed the deal inside the final two minutes when cult hero Tom Hazelton continued his try scoring streak to seal the deal.

Next week, the Sharks have a battle against the Panthers whilst the Roosters head to Canberra for a Saturday afternoon battle with the Raiders.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 38 - Sydney Roosters 30

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal
Crowd: 48934
Halftime Score: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 18 Sydney Roosters 24

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Nicho Hynes
2 points - Sione Katoa
1 points - Dominic Young

CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (38)
Tries: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, Teig Wilton, Siosifa Talakai, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Thomas Hazelton
Conversions: Nicho Hynes (6/6)
Penalty Goals: Nicho Hynes (1/1)

SYDNEY ROOSTERS (30)
Tries: Dominic Young (2), Daniel Tupou, Fetalaiga Pauga (2)
Conversions: Sam Walker (4/5)
Penalty Goals: Sam Walker (1/1)


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