LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In an NRL curtain-raiser, the Cronulla Sharks' Jersey Flegg team delivered a decisive performance, overpowering the Manly Sea Eagles with a score of 48-18 at Sharks Stadium on Friday night.
The Sharks quickly rebounded from a prior loss to Melbourne, taking command with a stunning 32-12 lead at halftime.
The match commenced with a bang as prop Felix Faatili broke through the Sea Eagles' defense just a minute in, racing 40 meters to score, with halfback Riley Pollard converting for an early 6-0 lead.
Despite a couple of near-miss attempts by the Sharks, the Sea Eagles managed to stave off additional scores until a critical error in the seventh minute.
This allowed Sharks centre Nikora Williams to break a tackle and push across the line, bringing the score to 12-0 after Pollard's successful conversion.
Following their explosive start, Cronulla's hooker Jai Camilleri added another try, further extending the Sharks' lead with Pollard converting again.
This dominant early-game performance set the tone for the rest of the match, demonstrating the Sharks' offensive prowess and solid teamwork.