LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Sharks showcased their dominance with a decisive 32-12 victory against the Cowboys during a challenging wet and windy match at Sharks Stadium on Sunday.
From the outset, the Sharks displayed their prowess with four tries in the first half, earning a standing ovation as they headed into halftime leading 26-0.
Hooker Blayke Brailey set the tone early by assisting the first try in the third minute, delivering a perfectly placed grubber for five-eighth Braydon Trindall to score. Halfback Nicho Hynes successfully converted, giving Cronulla a 6-0 lead.
Despite North Queensland's attempts to respond, solid defense from the Sharks forced an error, allowing them to regain control. Hynes further extended the lead with a penalty goal in the 14th minute.
Shortly after, discipline issues from North Queensland resulted in another penalty for Cronulla, which they capitalized on when Fonua-Blake powered over the line. Hynes converted, extending the Sharks' lead to 14-0.
With 10 minutes left in the half, an impeccable attacking play combined with a bat-on from fullback Will Kennedy enabled winger Ronaldo Mulitalo to score. Hynes maintained his perfect kicking, pushing the lead to 20-0.
Just five minutes after his first try, Mulitalo struck again following another relentless left-edge attack. Hynes converted yet again, and the Sharks concluded the first half with a commanding 26-point lead.
After halftime, the Cowboys made a comeback, scoring their first points in the 46th minute thanks to front-rower Griffin Neame, with center Zac Laybutt successfully converting.