The Cronulla Sharks fell short of securing their second win of the season, going down to the Sydney Roosters 19-12 at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Sharks received a pre-game boost when five-eighth Trent Barrett recovered from a back injury to play for the side, but the good news wasn’t enough for the Sharks, despite a very determined and committed effort throughout the match.

The Sharks opened with plenty of possession and looked dangerous, working the ball around the ruck and spreading it out wide. From there, they certainly looked like scoring first when Gallen picked up a Rooster’s dropped ball, only for the opportunity to be squandered when Mitch Brown knocked the Gallen pass forward.

An intercept shortly after by the Roosters had plenty of hearts beating, but the Sharks defence held strong for two sets of six to keep them from scoring. The Roosters maintained possession for the next five minutes but they were still unable to barge through the home sides defensive line on numerous occasions.

However, a lapse in concentration in the 21st minute saw the Roosters score through Shaun Kenny-Dowall after getting on the outside of David Simmons to run 40m and score with Fitzgibbon converting.

Shortly after, the tri-colours were over again when halfback Mitchell Pearce put a deft kick through for winger Kenny-Dowell to score his second try for the night to take the score to 10-0.

The Sharks were given a lifeline however when Kenny-Dowell crossed for his third but the decision was sent to video ref, Russell Smith, who ruled a refs call and referee, Gavin Badger, ruled he was held up.

Things remained even for the next ten minutes but five minutes before halftime a grubber kick by Trent Barrett hit the upright and rickashaded into Reece Williams hands for him to fall over the line keeping the Sharks in the hunt heading into halftime 10-6.

Back from the break and a penalty to the Roosters saw them add a further two points. Sam Perrett then scored in the 53rd minute after pouncing on a neatly threaded grubber kick by back rower Nate Myles and Fitzgibbon converted taking the score to 18-6.

The Roosters continued in attack and after spreading the ball wide, fullback Jordan Tansey crossed the line. However, the decision was again sent upstairs and Russell Smith ruled a no try which had Sharks supporters sighing in relief.

Throughout the second half the Sharks wasted plenty of opportunities, unable to hold onto the ball without knocking it on or throwing it away.
Nevertheless with nine minutes remaining, something came from nothing. Captain Paul Gallen tried his utmost best to spark a Sharks revival as he burrowed his way through three defenders to plant the ball over the line, giving his side a glimmer of hope.

The Sharks continued in attack and momentum was all of a sudden in their favour, but a last ditch effort was knocked back by the video referee once again who ruled the Roosters defence was obstructed as Bronx Goodwin touched down. Goodwin made is long-awaited return to the NRL for the Sharks, after signing on last month for the remainder of the season.

With a couple of minutes remaining, Braith Anasta sealed the deal for the Roosters, kicking a decisive field goal to win the match 19-12.

The Sharks can stand tall with the effort they displayed in their round eight clash, despite the score not being in their favour. The Sharks next match is on May 16 at CUA Stadium against the Panthers.