Sharks too slick for Cowboys in the wet

Cronulla's run towards a top-four spot continued as they recorded a fourth straight win. Prop Addin Fonua-Blake earned the coveted Paul Green Medal, scoring a try and pumping out 170 metres in a dominant performance through the middle.

The home side came out firing with four tries in the first half, receiving a standing ovation as they headed into the sheds leading 26-0.

Hooker Blayke Brailey created the first try in the third minute, placing a pinpoint grubber for five-eighth Braydon Trindall to touch down. Halfback Nicho Hynes slotted the conversion, giving Cronulla a six-point lead.

North Queensland were close to hitting back, however compact defence forced an error and the Sharks regained possession. Hynes then added a further two points with a penalty goal in the 14th minute.

Moments later, poor discipline from North Queensland once again handed Cronulla a penalty and they capitalised with Fonua-Blake barging across the line. Hynes converted to put the Sharks ahead 14-0. 

With 10 minutes remaining, flawless attack and a bat-on from fullback Will Kennedy allowed Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo to waltz over the line. Hynes continued his goal streak, Cronulla now holding a huge 20-0 buffer. 

Just five minutes after his previous try, another ruthless left-edge raid saw Mulitalo slide over for a double. Hynes proved perfect off the boot, slotting another between the posts. The hosts now led by 26 in an unrelenting first half.

Coming out strong after the break, the Cowboys claimed their first points in the 46th minute through front-rower Griffin Neame. Centre Zac Laybutt converted.

After a line-break from Trindall, North Queensland halfback Tom Dearden was penalised for holding down and sent for 10 minutes in the bin, leaving the away side firmly on the back foot with a player down. 

Cronulla quickly took advantage, with captain Cameron McInnes powering across in the 60th minute before Hynes made it six from six conversions.

Lessening the blow for the Cowboys, winger Braidon Burns collected their second of the night with three minutes remaining. Laybutt added the extras, the final score left at 32-12 in a gutsy performance from both sides. 

The Sharks will look to make it five on the trot against the Dragons in a must-watch local derby at Netstrata Jubilee Oval at Kogarah next Saturday.