LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The Bulldogs have pulled off an impressive upset against the finals-bound Sharks, clinching a 24-14 victory at Accor Stadium in their final home game of the season, as reported by bulldogs.com.au.
Displaying grit and physicality, the Bulldogs dominated the first half before a decisive five-minute spell early in the second half shifted the momentum in their favor. Despite a spirited fight from the Sharks, it was Co-Captain Tayla Preston who ultimately sealed the win midway through the second half with a decisive dart from dummy-half against her former team.
Having faced a challenging stretch of injuries and losses prior to this match, the Bulldogs, while out of finals contention, returned to Accor Stadium determined to end their season on a high note. Mid-week banter among Andie Robinson, Holli Wheeler, and Tayla Preston fueled their eagerness to face their old side, and the Blue and White team exhibited high energy right from the start.
The Bulldogs created early scoring chances, applying significant defensive pressure on Cronulla. They opened the scoring twenty minutes in when Moana Courtenay forced a loose pass, allowing Simina Lokotui to capitalize by sprinting 50 meters for her first NRLW try, just six games into her career. Tayla Preston successfully converted the kick.
The Sharks, who are 2024 Grand Finalists, quickly responded with Ellie Johnston scoring off a penalty. However, the Bulldogs strategically called for a Captain's Challenge regarding a penalty awarded for contact in the air from a Tayla Preston bomb, which was ruled in their favor. This shift allowed them to maintain the pressure, culminating in a penalty right in front of the posts, extending their lead to four points just before half-time with a score of 8-4.