The Sharks have gone toe to toe with the reigning premiers Brisbane and gone down swinging, falling just short 22-16 at Ocean Protect Stadium.
It was a much-improved performance from Cronulla, proving they can match it with the competition’s heavyweights, despite losing in Ellie Johnston’s milestone match.
Arguably the NRLW’s best player Tamika Upton scored a hatrick to help her side pull off the gritty win, aided by Broncos halfback Jesse Southwell and her impressive kicking game.
There were dangerous signs from the Broncos from the get-go, threatening the Sharks line immediately, but a try saving play from powerhouse prop Johnston saw her sweep up the ball under the posts.
Brisbane opened the scoring from a set play, when the Sharks had no one at the back, Ali Brigginshaw kicked a floater over the heads of Cronulla’s defence for Tamika Upton to sprint through and manage to ground the ball. Jesse Southwell added the extras for a 6-0 lead.
Doing what they do best, a break from hooker Quincy Dodd paired with the support of Jada Taylor set the home side up for a strong attacking set in try scoring range.
Getting their first of the evening in the 17th minute, a quick play the ball and classy pass from Chantay Kiria-Ratu saw Georgia Ravics cross in the corner. Coming extremely close, Kiria-Ratu could not convert.
Despite trailing by two, momentum was definitely in the hosts’ favour, and constant pressure saw errors from Brisbane, which allowed Cronulla to travel downfield.
Though in a sudden shift it was almost another four pointer to the away side, though urgency and desperation from Cassie Staples saw her tap the ball dead, giving the Broncos a repeat set.
Capitalising on the field position they had, Upton once more spun away from a shooting opposition defence and found a gap to waltz right of the posts and Southwell converted to give the away side a 12-4 lead at half-time.
Unfortunately, just after the break, Sharks backrower Rihannon Byers exited the field with a shoulder injury, though just tackles later her replacement Jaydika Tafua ploughed through the defenders, scoring with her first touch of the night. Kiria-Ratu converted, bringing it back to a two-point margin.
Backing herself and taking on the opposition, Chantay Kiria-Ratu sliced through the line and confused the defence with a dummy, putting the home side in front and then converted her own try to make it 16-12 to Cronulla ten minutes into the first half.
But once more the game took a turn and tries to both Julia Robinson and Upton for a hat-trick put the visitors back in front with 9 minutes remaining.
The Sharks threw everything at them in the final phases but were unable to score, as the reigning premiers held on for a 22-16 victory.
Cronulla now have a 9-day turnaround before they face the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium for their first away game of 2026.
