When the Sharks last met the Eels, we defied all odds to overcome a 0 – 18 deficit in a Johnny Mannah Cup thriller.
Our men in Black, White and Blue made history that night, securing the Club’s twelfth consecutive win.
Parramatta’s outside backs had struck immediately, scoring three unanswered tries in a matter of 21 minutes. Shock rang throughout Southern Cross Group Stadium, as Michael Gordon slotted a conversion to push the visitors ahead 0 – 18.
The Sharks, however, refused to back down and launched a comeback via Sosia Feki in the 26th minute. The home side proceeded to crash over on six more occasions to seal the deal in a rollercoaster contest.
Eels’ winger, Bevan French, impressed the crowd with a hat-trick of devious tries. Cronulla’s Sosia Feki, Gerard Beale and Ricky Leutele also upped the ante, each player bagging a double on the night.
This Saturday night’s Round 4 rematch promises to be just as exciting. The Sharks will take the field at ANZ Stadium for the first time since their grand final win against the Melbourne Storm. The Eels will rock a home ground advantage for the first time in 2017.
The return of Parramatta’s Dally M Halfback, Corey Norman, is bound to test the Cronulla’s defence. Norman was key to the Eels’ strong wins in Rounds 1 and 2.
The Sharks welcome back Sosaia Feki, the very winger who ran riot through Parramatta’s defence last year. The Eels may also be confronted with arrival of experienced hooker, James Segeyaro, who recently signed with the Sharks.
Both sides will battle to honour the late Johnny Mannah. Johnny played for both Cronulla and Parramatta, and will be forever remembered by the Rugby League Community for his remarkable courage and positive attitude in the face of adversity. Johnny’s brother, Tim, will captain the Eels on the night.
NRL Round 4
Parramatta Eels v Cronulla Sharks
ANZ Stadium
7:00pm kick off
To buy tickets, click HERE.
#SharksForever
