It was a tough day out for the Sharks NRLW side, going down 36-8 against a high-flying Roosters squad, with the loss Cronulla’s fifth straight defeat this season.
However, despite the loss and the final margin of victory, Sharks coaching Toy Herman, with only 19 players to choose from out of his full time playing group of 31, was proud of the efforts of his team.
And adding to the Sharks' injury tally, Rihannon Byers exited the field with a leg injury in the 39th minute and did not return for the remainder of the match.
The Roosters were Led by the immaculate kicking game of Jocelyn Kelleher, and try scoring double to Brydie Parker and Jessica Sergis, with the hosts showing why they are undefeated through nine rounds of the NRLW season.
The home team came out strongly, a huge defensive set allowed the Roosters to gain their first set of possession in the Sharks’ half, and a series of passes out to the wing allowed Taina Naividi to waltz across. Jocelyn Kelleher added the extras to give her side an early 6-0 lead.
Off the back of a penalty, Cronulla found a patch of momentum, earned some good field position, however they were unable to crack the opposition.
Coming on for Millie Boyle who exited due to a HIA, Aliyah Nasio crashed her way across with her first touch to the right of the posts. Kelleher converted and it was 12-0 to the Roosters.
Showing strong signs in attack, the Sharks were helped downfield thanks to a penalty awarded to Caitlin Johnston-Green, and the visitors began to mount pressure on the opposition.
Finally, spotting a gap behind the defensive line, Chantay Kiria-Ratu put through a perfectly weighted kick that sat up perfectly for Jada Taylor to grab her side's first points of the match. Kiria-Ratu couldn't convert, with the score 12-4 with two minutes left to play in the first half.
In a crucial moment in the match, just before the break, the Roosters increased their lead, sweeping up a Sharks knock-on with Brydie Parker running 80 meters to grab another four-pointer . Kelleher slotted the kick, lengthening the margin to 18-4 at the break.
Two tries in the opening five minutes of the second half saw Parker snatch a double, then moments later, Mia Wood was also on the receiving end, crossing next to the left corner post.
It was beginning to look like a tri-colour domination, when Jessica Sergis put her name on the scorers list board, adding to her double-digit tally for the season. Kelleher extended the margin by another two, the home team now leading 32-4.
Not giving up hope, Cronulla continued to show grit, forcing the defense to scramble and with just under 15 minutes remaining, they were rewarded for their perseverance, Tiana Penitani Gray forced her way over the top of two defenders, the grin on her face saying it all.
Snatching one more late four-pointer for the game, a knock on gave the hosts six more tackles and on that same exact play, Sergis sealed the deal with her own double.
While it was never going to be an easy battle, in the end, the blue, red and white had too much strike for a brave Cronulla outfit to handle.
Next up for the Sharks is a game against the Warriors in New Zealand next Saturday afternoon.
