The Wests Tigers have recorded a 22-8 victory over the Sharks in Saturday’s trial match at Campbelltown Stadium.
In a true testament to pre-season form, the opening stages of the match were littered with stoppages as penalties and errors removed any form of rhythm from the game.
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen lead from the front with several strong carries, while new recruit Michael Ennis sparked the side with decisive runs and pinpoint kicks out of acting half.
22 minutes into the match the Sharks found a way to crack the Tigers’ defence, with Fullback Michael Gordon crashing over for the first points of the night.
A mid-field bust from five-eighth Ben Barba once again put the side into good territory, as ‘Flash’ grabbed a double thanks to a neat inside ball from Wade Graham.
Up 8-0 at the break, the Sharks again looked likely to add points before Tim Simona nabbed an intercept and ran 80 metres to score under the posts.
James Tedesco’s chip and chase added six more points for the Tigers, before Dene Halatau cleaned up a Luke Brooks kick to score adjacent to the posts.
The three converted tries changed the complexion of the match; the hosts adding another late try to run out 14-point victors.
The Sharks will now turn their attentions to their opening round clash against the Raiders on March 8th.