Successful season comes to a close for Fiaola Sharks

They fought hard, but the Sharks couldn't land the killer blow in a season-ending 24-18 defeat to the Wests Tigers in a thrilling Lisa Fiaola Cup semi-final Leichhardt Oval on Saturday morning.

Cronulla's under 17s scored in the first minute through halfback Julliana Kolio but found themselves on the back foot as the Tigers posted the next four tries.

With the Tigers only landing one goal, the Sharks were still in the contest despite trailing 18-6 after 35 minutes. Refusing to give up, they rose from the canvas and drew level with three minutes to go after tries to five-eighth Tahli Weigand and prop Manawanui James, with Weigand coolly adding the extras on both occasions.

Their comeback was quickly snuffed out, however, with the Tigers pulling in front again as front-rower Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili claimed the decisive four-pointer.

It brought a successful campaign to a close for Cronulla, who finished the regular season in fourth position after chalking up six wins from eight games.

In what was their second season in the Lisa Fiaola competition, the Isaac Michael-coached Sharks took another leap forward having only won twice in 2024.

They were the last remaining Junior Representative team for Cronulla this year, with the SG Ball and Tarsha Gale sides eliminated in week one of the finals. The Harold Matthews team narrowly missed the playoffs in a fruitful year all round.

Sharks 18 (Julianna Kolio, Tahli Weigand, Manawanui James tries; Weigand three goals) def by Tigers 24 (Dawn Tui, Saige Tautalafua, Agnews Faaui, Mia Tonga, Aliana Fasavalu-Fa'amausili tries; Faaui two goals)

Photos by Adam Wrightson, Cronulla Junior Rugby League