A decision was made by the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks team more than two months ago that they could make the Jersey Flegg Cup finals if they really set their minds to it.
They haven’t looked back since and find themselves in Saturday’s Under 21s Preliminary Final against Minor Premiers Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval.
It all goes back to a close 24-22 loss to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Round 19, which left the Sharks in eighth place on the ladder, but still determined to make the top-five.
“Over the last nine to 10 weeks it’s just the way we’ve been playing – it’s just incredible to be out there and winning,” halfback Riley Pollard told nswrl.com.au.
“We had a good sit-down after (Round 19) and had a plan and everyone bought into it. We knew we weren’t tracking the way we could have been.
“So we all just said we know what we can do as a team, let’s all buy-in and get on the same page.
“The coaching staff were great in getting us ready ... there’s no individuals in this team. When you have 17 or 18 guys each week going for the same goal, it makes it easier.”
It’s also worked a treat as the Sharks haven’t lost since then – six straight wins scoring 50 points or more – to claim fifth spot at the end of the regular season.
They have also beat Newcastle 22-6 in a Qualifying Final and Penrith 40-26 in a Minor Semi-final, where Pollard kicked six from seven conversions on a blustery afternoon.
But the Raiders have had the edge over them in 2024 - a 30-4 win in Round Four followed by a 30-16 win in Round Eight.
“When our defence is going well, and we’re not letting in any points, we know we can score plenty so that’s the key this weekend – start strong defensively,” Pollard said.
A western Sydney product, who played his junior football with Penrith Brothers and Colyton Colts, Pollard has blossomed since coming to the Sharks last year. He played UNE SG Ball Cup (Under 19s) early in the season before moving up into Jersey Flegg.
His halves partnership with Taj Ford has produced 15 tries.
“He’s unbelievable for us this year. When he gets that confidence in each game his running game is incredible. He speaks through his actions – he’s a very good player,” Pollard said of his No.6.
Pollard was a No.9 in his junior days and has struck up good partnerships with both Chaz Jarvis and Taj Brailey – younger brother of Jayden and Blayke – who will be the hookers against Canberra.
In fact Jarvis and back rower Max McCarthy instil great confidence in Pollard when they’re both on the field.
“Just their work ethic and confidence of those two. The amount of tackles they make every week, you just know they’re going to turn up,” he said.
“When someone isn’t doing their job 100 per cent you just know Max and Chaz will be there to make up the rest of it. They are great players to play with.”
The Jersey Flegg Cup Preliminary Final will be live streamed on NSWRL TV.
