There were plenty of talking points out of the Sharks & Titans’ 18-all draw – see the ‘5 key points’!
1. Coaches, players call for Golden Point to go
Though what has long been the case in extra time, flayed field goal shots rained down at CBUS Super Stadium, as both sides went in search of a Golden Point.
Unable to find points, both sides made mention in their post-match pressers that a ‘Golden Try’, or a straight period of extra time, would best serve the game.
Coach Shane Flanagan and Paul Gallen making their thoughts clear, saying the standard of footy ‘went out the window’ from the 81st minute onwards.
2. James Maloney’s boot unable to see the side home.
With Maloney having single-handedly kicked the side to victories over the Bulldogs (Round 13) and the Warriors (Round 16), the nippy pivot couldn’t find a way to slot an extra inside the added minutes.
A shot on target rocketed into the uprights in the 83rd minute – the kick the pick of the bunch inside Golden Point – as Chad Townsend and Ben Barba also took aim without success.
3. Andrew Fifita’s impact again big when it mattered most.
As has been the case for most, if not all of the 2016 season, Andrew Fifita’s impact on the game was enormous – emphasising his status as one of the game’s premier forwards.
Fifita ran for 166 metres, made 30 tackles, and a piece of sheer strength to score a try late in the contest sent the Sharks into Golden Point.
4. Val circles in on the prized 19 tries of the Peach.
Valentine Holmes edged closer last night to the Cronulla Sharks try-scoring record of 19 tries in a season held by David Peachy when he crossed over in the chalk in the 7th minute.
Having wowed both Sharks and NRL fans alike with this blistering speed, strength in the tackle and try-scoring ability, Holmes has made his presence well and truly felt in the NRL since debuting in 2014.
With the remainder of the season to bag four tries (along with the Finals Series), Holmes is going to give "The Peach" a run for his money in season 2016!
5. Unbeaten after 16 matches means SCG Stadium will be packed for the Raiders
Still unbeaten over 16 rounds and more importantly, unbeaten at home in 2016, Sharks fans remain upbeat following last night’s draw.
The Club will be expected a HUGE turnout at Southern Cross Group Stadium this Saturday evening for the clash against the Canberra Raiders who sit in 3rd place on the NRL ladder.
Shane Flanagan asked for Sharks fans to be hang ‘Off the Roof’ at Southern Cross Group Stadium for the remainder of 2016 and he will be hoping they will do just that by the time kick-off rolls around at 5:30pm this Saturday night.
Will you be there?
Pre-purchase your tickets to this Saturday’s EPIC clash against the Canberra Raiders here. Beat the cue and SAVE!
