Cronulla Sharks have ended the NRL season of minor premiers Canberra Raiders with a 32-12 victory in the elimination final at GIO Stadium. The win marked the first time since their 2016 premiership season that the Sharks have won consecutive finals matches.
Half-back Nicho Hynes had expressed frustration earlier in the week about the lack of respect the Sharks were receiving, despite a strong run of form. After the match, coach Craig Fitzgibbon suggested the team would earn 'ultimate respect' only by winning a second premiership.
Despite a shaky start, with their completion rate dropping below 60% and losing prop Tom Hazelton to a head knock, the Sharks turned the game around. Hynes and five-eighth Braydon Trindall combined effectively, with Hynes setting up tries for Ronaldo Mulitalo and KL Iro to give Cronulla a 12-6 half-time lead.
Second-half tries from Billy Burns and Teig Wilton sealed the win. The Raiders were hampered by the late withdrawal of five-eighth Ethan Strange due to influenza, placing extra pressure on half-back Jamal Fogarty, who was culpable for three Cronulla tries.
The Sharks will now face Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final on Friday, with Hazelton ruled out due to concussion protocols.
