The Sharks have suffered a heavy defeat, going down by 27-5 to the Dragons in their first pool match at the NRL Nines in Perth.
The Dragons scored five tries to one in registering the victory, leaving the Sharks in need of a big win in their second game if they hope to qualify for the competition finals.
A Sione Katoa try opened the scoring in the match, the fleet footed winger running around to plant the ball down in the bonus zone area for the five pointer.
Chad Townsend was unable to add the extra two points but the early signs were good for the Sharks who controlled early possession before being rewarded with the try.
From there however the momentum shifted in favour of the Dragons, an unconverted try making it 5-4 Sharks, then another St George try wide out, again unconverted, gave them an 8-5 lead at the break.
The second period began poorly for the Cronulla side, errors and penalties gifting their opponents the ball as well as field position and they were made to pay, a converted bonus point try pushing the lead out to 15-5 leaving the Sharks with it all to do.
The Sharks would throw the ball around in search of points but the St George defence was up to the task, repelling the Cronulla attacking raids then turning it into points at the other end.
A Tristan Sailor runaway try, then a chip-chase five pointer scored by prop Josh Kerr rounded out the scoring.
In the other Pool 2 match the Bulldogs, the Sharks opponents tomorrow, beat the Eels 13-10 in what was viewed by many as an upset result.
The Sharks and Bulldogs meet at 12noon local time tomorrow (Saturday).
SHARKS 5
Sione Katoa try
lost to
DRAGONS 27
