In an intense encounter between the two leading teams in the Jersey Flegg competition, the Sharks have come back from an early 10-0 deficit to beat the Sydney Roosters 24-16 in their round 23 clash at PointsBet Stadium.
With first place on the Flegg ladder and potentially the minor premiership at stake, the Sharks overcame the loss of two key forwards early in the second half to score a moral boosting victory with just one game remaining before the start of the Finals series.
The Sharks gave up the first points when Roosters lock Luca Moratti crashed over and after the conversion it was 6-0 to the visitors after the opening 10 minutes.
A Sharks error at the back on the ensuing set of six gifted the Roosters their next try soon after to make it 10-0, but showing good composure the Cronulla side worked their way back into the game.
A 40-20 from half back Angus Ernst gifted his side field position and a few tackles later it was the Sharks number seven in the game again, a short side play putting Vito Tevaga over in the south-eastern corner.
Kai Broadhurst slotted the sideline conversion and after 20 minutes it was 10-6 to the Roosters, a score the two teams would take to the half time break.
The Sharks suffered a set back in the early moments of the second period when forwards Connor Luhan and Franklin Pele were forced from the field as a result of a sickening head clash but they pushed on undeterred.
Pressuring their opponents try line a kick was deflected by the Roosters, into the arms of the Sharks and Tevaga was the beneficiary, diving over in spectacular fashion for his second of the afternoon.
Broadhurst was again on target and the Sharks had their noses in front just three minutes into the second period.
Now with the momentum in their favour and with the Roosters mistake rate gifting the Sharks field position, a strong attacking set saw giant youngster Kayleb Milne barge over to extend his teams advantage.
Broadhurst made it three from three and the Sharks led 18-10 with still 25 minutes of the match remaining.
Just when the Sharks appeared to be in control it was an error from the home team on half way which would allow the Roosters to work their way back into the contest, a try to winger Tyrell Neiufi, converted from touch, and it would be a grandstand finish with the score 18-16 some seven minutes from full time.
With their tails up the Roosters pressed but the Sharks stood firm, worked their way back into an attacking position and it would be Milne to seal the victory, the new recruit getting the ball down over the line despite the attending of three opposition defenders.
Broadhurst kept his perfect record intact as the Sharks registered their 13th win of season in climbing past the Roosters and into first place on the table, securing a top four finish and giving them the chance to claim the minor premiership with a victory next weekend.
SHARKS 24
Kayleb Milne 2, Vito Tevaga 2 tries, Kai Broadhurst 4 goals
Beat
ROOSTERS 16
