LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a stunning turn of events, the Cronulla Sharks have finally broken free from their six-year finals nightmare and secured a spot in the NRL prelim.
This victory marks their first appearance in a preliminary final since 2018, and it was achieved by taking down the North Queensland Cowboys in a thrilling 26-18 showdown at Allianz Stadium.
The Sharks will now face off against the formidable Penrith Panthers in a Grand Final qualifier, a true test of their strength and determination.
This win not only breaks a streak of eight consecutive finals losses but also marks the first finals victory under the leadership of coach Craig Fitzgibbon, despite the team making the finals in all three years of his tenure.
The match was defined by a first-half masterclass from Sharks five-eighth Braydon Trindall, who led the team to a commanding 24-0 lead going into halftime.
A controversial penalty try in the 13th minute set the stage for the Sharks' dominance, with Trindall playing a pivotal role in securing the victory and leaving the Cowboys reeling.
Following the match, Cowboys club legend Johnathan Thurston expressed his disappointment, stating, "I'm just shattered." His candid assessment of the team's performance serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they must overcome to reclaim their former glory.