1. Slow start not a worry as the Sharks rocket home - again.
Down by 12 inside the game’s opening quarter, the Sharks found a way to turn the tide to fire back with six-unanswered tries against the Roosters.
Slow out of the blocks, the opening period drew comparisons with the side’s matches at home against the Warriors & Eels earlier on this season.
On those occasions, the Sharks fell two and three tries in arrears respectively, before flicking the switch to score impressive wins.
2. Gallen’s return welcomed with open arms
Missing the side’s last two matches with a calf issue, Captain Paul Gallen returned to the fray, and made up for lost time with an impressive – and trademarked – performance.
205 metres from 22 carries left no doubts about the Skipper’s will to win, and he was rewarded with a rare four-pointer to all-but seal the deal for the Sharks.
3. Prior’s try just rewards for another brutal defensive showing
Matt Prior was the unlikely hero to get the Sharks comeback into gear, as he crossed for his third try of the season nearer the 30th minute mark.
Prior’s try came off the back of some hard-hitting shots in the middle of the park, which in turn, spurred the side on to change the momentum of the match.
4. Ennis’ Southern Cross Group Stadium farewell goes to plan
Michael Ennis got his fitting farewell as the Sharks Members and fans said #ThanksMick, in what was the veteran’s last home outing in the black, white & blue.
Ennis was at his wily best around the ruck, and although not to find the try line in his final home match, he took the chance to slot a penalty goal late on in the contest to send the parochial crowd into raptures one last time.
5. 11 home wins draws the Sharks closer to a third Minor Premiership
Not since 1999 have the Sharks won 11 of 12 home matches in a regular season. In that year, the side went on to claim the Club’s second all-time Minor Premiership.
The Round 25 win over the Roosters sets up a Minor Premiership showdown with the Storm in Melbourne next weekend, who – somewhat ironically – were the side who spoiled the Sharks flawless home record in 1999.
