Shell-shocked from a defeat that rocked all at Remondis last Round, no one needs to be told that it’s back to basics if the Sharks are to push on for a win against the Roosters on Sunday.
We have proved this and more at Allianz Stadium in recent times, it being a happy hunting ground for us and, more importantly, the scene of our greatest ever comeback last season.
This Sunday’s fixture will have an unusual feel to it in that it’s the first daytime meeting between the two since Round 22, 2006.
This weekend’s battle will be the 88th meeting with these two combatants and Cronulla’s 22nd clash against the Roosters under the Sydney Football Stadium/Aussie Stadium/Allianz Stadium monocle. Compared to other NRL clubs, our Allianz record against Roosters is regarded as one of the best, with 8 wins. It is also our 44th away game in total against the Sydney Roosters, having played at the Sydney Sports Ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, Henson Park and Allianz Stadium.
In total, it’s the Sharks 51st visit to Allianz Stadium against all comers. Cronulla won its first two games there in 1988, winning a close one 14-12 against the Rabbitohs and, three weeks later, an Eastern Suburbs team by 24-6.
Since 1988 the Sharks have also played Canterbury, Balmain, Canberra, Manly, Newcastle, Brisbane, St George-Illawarra, Melbourne, Wests Tigers and North Queensland at the Moore Park venue for a total record of Played 50 Won 24 Drawn 1 Lost 25 Points For - 1,000 Points Against - 990.
Note: Allianz Stadium was previously known as the Sydney Football Stadium (from 1988-2001 and 2008-2011) and Aussie Stadium (from 2002-2007).
Harping back to our first-ever game against the Roosters, we began our 1967 NSWRFL season with a win over Eastern Suburbs at the Sydney Sports Ground on Sunday, April 2nd, winning 11-5, in front of a crowd of 6,137. The team sheet that day was:
Sharks: 1.Fullback Brian Cox; 2.Wing Denis Hewitt, 3.Centre Warren Ryan, 4.Centre Greg Miller, 5.Wing Phil Sylvester; 6.Five-Eighth Jack Danzey, 7.Halfback Terry Hughes; Eric Barnes, Gary MacDougall, Dave Cooper, Monty Porter (Captain), John Hynes, Alan McRitchie. Replacement: Ray Westwood.
Eastern Suburbs 5 (Jim Matthews try; Gwyl Barnes goal) Cronulla-Sutherland 11 (John Hynes try; Terry Hughes 4 goals)
Referee: Keith Page. Roosters Coach: Jack Gibson. Sharks Coach: Ken Kearney.
Our last Roosters game was a monumental Round 17 victory at Allianz Stadium on July 5th, 2014. With Paul Gallen then on Origin duty with NSW and injuries plaguing the Sharks, we were under immense pressure against a powered-up Roosters side having lost to Manly the previous week. The Sharks, fresh and lively from a dramatic surprise win over the Broncos at Suncorp, this game proved the point that our code at times throws the form book out the window.
Sharks were down 0-18 after only 17 minutes and after 33 minutes were 0-24 and on the verge of annihilation. Halftime loomed as a disaster for the boys in Blue. Stand-in captain Wade Graham secured the ball from a wayward pass and the Sharks were on the board before the break. The Sharks succeeded in crossing twice more before the Roosters halted the flow to extend the lead to 28-18. But with a final surge Cronulla scored twice more and with the accuracy of Michael Gordon finishing off the try-scoring, our boys were ahead 30-28 on 79 minutes.
With minutes remaining Cronulla had to endure a barrage of Roosters playmakers pushing forward. Coming as close as holding up centre Mitch Aubusson over the line with only 10 seconds remaining. Cronulla’s then interim coach James Shepherd got his first win and this game has now become the Club’s greatest-ever comeback triumph.
The Sharks and Roosters scores and line-ups that Saturday night in front of 10,732 fans were:
Sydney Roosters 28 (Mitchell Aubusson 2, Mitchell Pearce, Shaun Kenny-Dowell, Brendan Elliot tries; James Maloney 4 goals from 5 attempts)
Cronulla Sharks 30 (Jacob Gagan 2, Wade Graham, Sosaia Feki, Jeff Robson tries; Michael Gordon 5 goals from 5 attempts)
Roosters: 1.Fullback Anthony Minichiello (Captain); 2.Wing Nene MacDonald, 3.Centre Mitchell Aubusson, 4.Centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 22.Wing Brendan Elliot; 6.Five-Eighth James Maloney, 7.Halfback Mitchell Pearce; 14.Lock Isaac Liu, 12.Second Row Sonny Bill Williams, 11.Second Row Dylan Napa, 10.Front Row Sam Moa, 9.Hooker Jake Friend, 8.Front Row Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Interchange: 13.Frank-Paul Nu’uausala, 15.Remi Casty, 16.Heath L’estrange, 17.Kane Evans.
Sharks: 1.Fullback Michael Gordon; 2.Wing Sosaia Feki, 3.Centre Jonathan Wright, 4.Centre Ricky Leutele, 5.Wing Jacob Gagan; 6.Five-Eighth Fa’amanu Brown; 7.Halfback Jeff Robson; 13.Lock Tinirau Arona, 12.Second Row Wade Graham (Captain), 11.Second Row Anthony Tupou, 10.Front Row Bryce Gibbs, 9.Hooker Michael Lichaa, 8.Front Row Siosaia Vave. Interchange: 14.Tupou Sopoaga, 15.Sam Tagataese, 17.Tim Robinson, 20.Pat Politoni.
Halftime Score: Roosters 24-6. Scrums: Roosters 9-0. Penalties: Roosters 7-5. Referees: Gavin Morris & Henry Perenara
SHARKS FACT: Michael Gordon’s 79th-minute conversion in our comeback victory over the Roosters last season was Cronulla’s 1,000th point scored at Allianz Stadium.
Go Sharks!
SHARKS / Roosters – By the Numbers
Our record @ Away (1967-2015)
All-Time Record: Played 87 Won 29 Drawn 2 Lost 56 Points For 1,439 Points Against 1,680
Total Record v Roosters at All Venues: Played 43 Won 13 Drawn 0 Lost 30 Points For 717 Points Against 921
Record v Roosters at Allianz Stadium: Played 21 Won 8 Drawn 0 Lost 13 Points For 421 Points Against 468
Record v Roosters at Sydney Sports Ground: Played 17 Won 4 Drawn 0 Lost 13 Points For 227 Points Against 364
Record v Roosters at Sydney Cricket Ground: Played 3 Won 1 Drawn 0 Lost 2 Points For 36 Points Against 49
Record v Roosters at Henson Park: Played 2 Won 0 Drawn 0 Lost 2 Points For 33 Points Against 40
Sharks Form in Last 5 Away Games v Roosters: Won 30-28 (Rd 17 2014) Loss 0-40 (Rd 19 2013) Loss 25-36 (Rd 24 2011) Won 42-18 (Rd 13 2010) Loss 12-19 (Rd 16 2009)
Sharks Form in Last 5 Games v Roosters: Won 30-28 (Rd 17 2014 at Allianz) Loss 18-24 (Rd 07 2014 at Remondis) Won 32-22 (Rd 24 2013 at Remondis) Loss 0-40 (Rd 19 2013 at Allianz) Draw 14-14 (Rd 18 2012 at Sharks Stadium – no golden point)
Sharks First-Ever Game v Roosters: Rd 01 at Sydney Sports Ground (Sharks First Ever Game in the NSWRFL Competition), April 2, 1967 (Won 11-5) Sharks Scorers: John Hynes try; Terry Hughes 4 goals Att: 6,137
Sharks First Game v Roosters at Allianz: Rd 19 July 24, 1988 (Won 24-6) Sharks Scorers: Barry Russell 2, Gavin Miller tries; Alan Wilson 6 goals Att: 7,115
Sharks Last Game v Roosters at Allianz: Rd 17 July 5, 2014 W 30-28) Sharks Scorers: Jacob Gagan 2, Sosaia Feki, Wade Graham, Jeff Robson tries; Michael Gordon 5 goals Att: 10,732
Sharks Biggest Win v Roosters at Allianz: 42-18 Rd 13, June 5, 2010 (24pts margin) Sharks Scorers: Trent Barrett, Paul Gallen, Nathan Gardner, Grant Millington, John Morris, Taulima Tautai, Siosaia Vave tries; Nathan Gardner 7 goals Att: 7,934
Sharks Heaviest Defeat v Roosters at Allianz: 0-40 Rd 19, July 20, 2013 (40pts margin) Att: 13,706
Sharks Best Away Attendance v Roosters at Allianz: 25,366 Qualifying Final, September 13, 2002; (Regular H & A Season) 23,819 Rd 21, August 26, 1996
Sharks Away Attendance Average v Roosters at Allianz: 11,317
Sharks Away Points Average Per Game v Roosters at Allianz: 20pts
Most Points Scored by the Sharks v Roosters at Allianz: (42pts) Won 42-18 Rd 13, June 5, 2010
Most Aggregate Points Scored in a Game v Roosters at Allianz: (70pts) Loss 32-38 Rd 19, July 16, 2006
Most Points Scored in all Games by a Sharks Player v Roosters at Allianz: (24pts) by Andrew Ettingshausen, (6 tries) & (24pts) by Luke Covell, (1 try 10 goals)
Most Total Points Scored by a Sharks Player against the Roosters: (66pts) by Luke Covell, (3 tries 27 goals)
Most Points Scored by a Sharks Player in a Game v Roosters at Allianz: (18pts) by Tony Armstrong, (2 tries 5 goals), Rd 18 (Won 34-16) at SSG, July 1, 1984; (18pts) by Nathan Gardner, (1 try 7 goals), Rd 13 (Won 42-18) at SFS, June 5, 2010
Most Tries Scored in a Game v Roosters at Allianz: (3 tries) by Matthew Rieck, Qualifying Final, September 13, 2002
Most Goals Scored in a Game v Roosters at Allianz: (7 goals) by Nathan Gardner, Rd 13, June 5, 2010
Most Sharks Team Tries Scored in a Game v Roosters at Allianz: (7 tries) Rd 13, June 5, 2010 (Won 42-18) Sharks Scorers: Trent Barrett, Paul Gallen, Nathan Gardner, Grant Millington, John Morris, Taulima Tautai, Siosaia Vave tries; Nathan Gardner 7 goals Att: 7,934
Total Try Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at Allianz: (71 Tries, 48 Try Scorers) Andrew Ettingshausen 6; Matthew Rieck 5; Brett Howland 3; David Peachey 3; Barry Russell 2; Richie Barnett 2; Dean Treister 2; Adam Dykes 2; Greg Bird 2; Nigel Vagana 2; David Simmons 2; John Williams 2; Wade Graham 2; Jacob Gagan 2; Gavin Miller 1; John Davidson 1; Chris Quinn 1; Eion Crossan 1; Mat Rogers 1; Colin Best 1; Russell Richardson 1; Preston Campbell 1; Paul Mellor 1; Andrew Pierce 1; Patrick Gibson 1; Matthew Johns 1; Chris McKenna 1; Dean Bosnich 1; Jason Stevens 1; Jarrad Anderson 1; Matt Hilder 1; Ryan McGoldrick 1; Nathan Merritt 1; Luke Covell 1; Darren Albert 1; Brett Kearney 1; Blake Ferguson 1; Nathan Stapleton 1; Trent Barrett 1; Paul Gallen 1; Nathan Gardiner 1; Grant Millington 1; John Morris 1; Taulima Tautai 1; Siosaia Vave 1; Ben Pomeroy 1; Sosaia Feki 1; Jeff Robson 1.
Total Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at Allianz: (68 Goals, 17 Goal Scorers) Luke Covell 10; Alan Wilson 9; Nathan Gardner 7; Mat Rogers 6; Brett Kimmorley 5; Matt Hilder 5; Michael Gordon 5; Jarrad Anderson 4; Nathan Stapleton 4; Craig Teevan 2; Eion Crossan 2; Mitch Healey 2; Preston Campbell 2; Greg Bird 2; Paul Green 1; Blaine Stanley 1; Jason Ferris 1.
Total Field Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at Allianz: (1 Field Goal, 1 Field Goal Scorer) Wade Graham (1 in 2011)
Total Try Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at All Away Venues: (121 Tries, 83 Try Scorers) Andrew Ettingshausen 8; Matthew Rieck 5; Fred Dennehy 4; Mick Mullane 3; Jonathan Docking 3; Brett Howland 3; David Peachey 3; Ron Turner 2; Chris Wellman 2; Grahame Bowen 2; Eric Archer 2; Paul Khan 2; Tony Armstrong 2; Barry Russell 2; Richie Barnett 2; Dean Treister 2; Adam Dykes 2; Greg Bird 2; Nigel Vagana 2; David Simmons 2; John Williams 2; Wade Graham 2; Jacob Gagan 2; John Hynes 1; Ray Westwood 1; Noel Gallagher 1; John Maguire 1; John Monie 1; Mick Souter 1; Kevin Hogan 1; Ray Corcoran 1; Maurie Raper 1; Ken Maddison 1; Peter Ryan 1; Kevin Gibson 1; Greg Pierce 1; Dave Chamberlin 1; Rowland Beckett 1; Perry Haddock 1; Dean Carney 1; John O’Connor 1; Brian Noble 1; Mark Wakefield 1; Craig Dimond 1; Phil Hurst 1; Mark McGaw 1; Alan Wilson 1; Gavin Miller 1; John Davidson 1; Glenn Coleman 1; Michael Porter 1; Chris Quinn 1; Eion Crossan 1; Mat Rogers 1; Colin Best 1; Russell Richardson 1; Preston Campbell 1; Paul Mellor 1; Andrew Pierce 1; Patrick Gibson 1; Matthew Johns 1; Chris McKenna 1; Dean Bosnich 1; Jason Stevens 1; Jarrad Anderson 1; Matt Hilder 1; Ryan McGoldrick 1; Nathan Merritt 1; Luke Covell 1; Darren Albert 1; Brett Kearney 1; Blake Ferguson 1; Nathan Stapleton 1; Trent Barrett 1; Paul Gallen 1; Nathan Gardner 1; Grant Millington 1; John Morris 1; Taulima Tautai 1; Siosaia Vave 1; Ben Pomeroy 1; Jeff Robson 1; Sosaia Feki 1.
Total Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at All Away Venues: (131 Goals, 28 Goal Scorers) Barry Andrews 19; Alan Wilson 11; Steve Rogers 10; Luke Covell 10; Terry Hughes 9; Dean Carney 7; Nathan Gardner 7; Mat Rogers 6; George Taylforth 5; Tony Armstrong 5; Brett Kimmorley 5; Matt Hilder 5; Michael Gordon 5; Jarrad Anderson 4; Nathan Stapleton 4; Roger Millward 2; Craig Teevan 2; Eion Crossan 2; Mitch Healey 2; Preston Campbell 2; Greg Bird 2; Eric Archer 1; Steve Hardy 1; Sean Watson 1; Matthew Corkery 1; Paul Green 1; Blaine Stanley 1; Jason Ferris 1.
Total Field Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters at All Away Venues: (3 Field Goals, 3 Field Goal Scorers) Chris Withall (1 in 1983); Michael Speechley (1 in 1990); Wade Graham (1 in 2011).
All-Time Total Try Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters: (239 Tries, 135 Try Scorers) Andrew Ettingshausen 10; Fred Dennehy 6; David Peachey 6; Paul Gallen 6; Jonathan Docking 5; Matthew Rieck 5; Ben Pomeroy 5; Brett Howland 4; Greg Bird 4; David Simmons 4; Nigel Vagana 4; Warren Fisher 3; Eric Archer 3; Dave Chamberlin 3; Steve Rogers 3; Mick Mullane 3; Barry Russell 3; John Davidson 3; Greg Carberry 3; Mat Rogers 3; Adam Dykes 3; Luke Covell 3; Wade Graham 3; Brian Cox 2; Dave Cooper 2; Ron Turner 2; Chris Wellman 2; Ray Corcoran 2; Grahame Bowen 2; Greg Pierce 2; Paul Khan 2; Greg Mullane 2; Rowland Beckett 2; Jim See 2; Dean Carney 2; Kurt Sorensen 2; Tony Armstrong 2; Craig Dimond 2; Mark McGaw 2; Alan Wilson 2; Glenn Coleman 2; Richie Barnett 2; Geoff Bell 2; Dean Treister 2; Paul Mellor 2; Chris Beattie 2; Paul Franze 2; Brett Kimmorley 2; Jason Stevens 2; Phil Bailey 2; Nathan Gardner 2; John Williams 2; Ricky Leutele 2; Jacob Gagan 2; Sosaia Feki 2; John Hynes 1; Ray Westwood 1; Len Gaffey 1; Noel Thornton 1; Noel Gallagher 1; John Maguire 1; John Monie 1; Mick Souter 1; Paul Taylor 1; Kevin Hogan 1; Maurie Raper 1; Cliff Watson 1; Bob Wear 1; Ken Maddison 1; Peter O’Brien 1; Peter Ryan 1; Kevin Gibson 1; Steve Hansard 1; Rick Bourke 1; Steve Edmonds 1; Chris Gardner 1; John Berne 1; Perry Haddock 1; Gary Wright 1; Steve Anderson 1; Dane Sorensen 1; David Laming 1; Paul Merlo 1; Greg Nixon 1; John O’Connor 1; Brian Noble 1; Mark Wakefield 1; Phil Hurst 1; Michael Speechley 1; Paul Bishop 1; Denis Fricot 1; Gavin Miller 1; Laurie Spina 1; Michael Porter 1; Chris Quinn 1; David Boughton 1; Michael Elliott 1; Les Davidson 1; Charlie Saab 1; Darren Higgins 1; Eion Crossan 1; Allan Bateman 1; Craig Greenhill 1; Ben Sammut 1; Colin Best 1; Russell Richardson 1; Scott Murray 1; Preston Campbell 1; Andrew Pierce 1; Patrick Gibson 1; Matthew Johns 1; Chris McKenna 1; Dean Bosnich 1; Jarrad Anderson 1; Matt Hilder 1; Ryan McGoldrick 1; Nathan Merritt 1; Beau Scott 1; Darren Albert 1; Brett Kearney 1; Fraser Anderson 1; Reece Williams 1; Blake Ferguson 1; Nathan Stapleton 1; Trent Barrett 1; Grant Millington 1; John Morris 1; Taulima Tautai 1; Siosaia Vave 1; Dean Collis 1; Stewart Mills 1; Michael Gordon 1; Chris Heighington 1; Jonathan Wright 1; Jeff Robson 1.
All-Time Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters: (266 Goals, 36 Goal Scorers) Barry Andrews 31; Luke Covell 27; Steve Rogers 23; Alan Wilson 20; Terry Hughes 15; Mat Rogers 13; Brett Kimmorley 11; Todd Carney 11; Tony Armstrong 10; George Taylforth 9; Dean Carney 9; Michael Gordon 8; Steve Edmonds 7; Nathan Gardner 7; Dane Sorensen 6; Sean Watson 6; Mitch Healey 5; Matt Hilder 5; John Brown 4; Eric Archer 4; Greg Carberry 4; Greg Bird 4; Jarrad Anderson 4; Nathan Stapleton 4; Jason Ferris 3; Dave Cotter 2; Roger Millward 2; Craig Teevan 2; Eion Crossan 2; Preston Campbell 2; Steve Hardy 1; Wayne Smith 1; Matthew Corkery 1; Paul Green 1; Blaine Stanley 1; Matthew Wright 1.
All-Time Field Goal Scorers for the Sharks v Roosters: (5 Field Goals, 5 Field Goal Scorers) Dinny O’Bryan (1 in 1969); Chris Withall (1 in 1983); Michael Speechley (1 in 1990); Adam Dykes (1 in 2001); Wade Graham (1 in 2011).
