LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Cronulla Sharks have secured their spot in the preliminary finals after a hard-fought battle against the North Queensland Cowboys at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.
The Sharks came out swinging in the first half, scoring four tries before halftime to establish a commanding lead that the Cowboys struggled to overcome.
The game started off with both teams locked in a fierce battle, but the Sharks managed to break the deadlock when Braydon Trindall was unfairly tackled off the ball in a scoring opportunity.
A penalty try was awarded, giving the Sharks the momentum they needed.
Cameron McInnes then barged over for another try, extending their lead to 12 points in quick succession.
Nicho Hynes also played a vital role in setting up the second try and delivered a standout performance, showing improvement from his recent form.
However, it was Trindall who truly shone for Craig Fitzgibbon's squad, leading them to victory with his stellar performance.
Despite a valiant comeback effort from the Cowboys in the second half, the Sharks managed to hold onto their lead and secure the win, booking their place in the next round of the finals.
The Sharks' first half dominance proved to be the difference in the end, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.