In contrasting styles, Cronulla's Jersey Flegg team and NSW Cup partner club Newtown Jets scored convincing wins over the Roosters in NRL curtain-raisers at Gosford on Saturday.
The under-21 Sharks made it seven victories on the bounce after recovering from an 18-6 deficit to triumph 30-18 and rise to the top of the Flegg ladder.
Hard-charging prop Felix Faatili was the standout player, powering across for a double to ignite Cronulla's fightback at Industree Group Stadium.
After scoring the Sharks' first try in the 14th minute, Faatili helped turn the momentum with two line breaks before securing his brace in the 48th minute.
Match: Roosters v Sharks
Round 12 -
home Team
Roosters
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
1st Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Hooker Jai Camilleri, zippy fullback Oliver Lester – who started off the bench – and back-rower Joe Nadenic also touched down for the red-hot Sharks, who conceded the first try after eight minutes and trailed 12-6 at the break.
Cronulla now sit alone atop the standings on 20 competition points, though Penrith can rejoin them when they face Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.
The NSW Cup fixture that followed was a one-sided affair from the outset, with the Jets stylishly snapping a three-game losing streak in a 54-0 drubbing.
Match: Roosters v Jets
Round 12 -
home Team
Roosters
8th Position
away Team
Jets
4th Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
Needing a win to shore up their place in the top four, Newtown struck in the 14th minute as back-rower Dylan Coutts nabbed the first of his two tries.
That was quickly followed by a four-pointer to impressive forward Hohepa Puru, who crashed over thanks to a crafty pass from dummy-half Jayden Berrell.
Centre Chris Vea'ila was next on the board, followed by a double strike to winger Kristian Dixon either side of half-time – one being a long-range intercept try.
Coutts, lock Blake Hosking, halfback Niwhai Puru, flanker Eparama Naval and centre Eli Clark finished the rout as the Jets recorded an impressive shutout.
The Flegg Sharks will face Wests Tigers at Henson Park next Saturday before the Jets meet Western Suburbs as they look to claim the Tommy Raudonikis Cup.
With the Sharks NRL having the bye, Sharks Members are reminded they receive free entry to Henson Park next Saturday by showing their Membership card.
