The Cronulla Sharks have ended their seven-game finals losing streak, defeating the North Queensland Cowboys 26-18 in a thrilling semi-final clash at Allianz Stadium. It was a resounding victory for the Sharks, who dominated the first half before holding off a late Cowboys surge to book a spot in next week's preliminary final against the reigning premiers, the Penrith Panthers.
The Sharks entered the match under immense pressure, having lost their last seven finals matches, a streak that stretched back to 2018. Their fans had endured years of heartbreak, with each season's hopes dashed before the grand final. But on Friday night, under the lights of Allianz Stadium, the Sharks finally broke through their playoff jinx, silencing their critics and igniting a wave of euphoria amongst their supporters.
The Sharks' dominance in the first half was a testament to their tactical prowess and execution. They dominated possession, territory, and the scoreboard, with Braydon Trindall emerging as the hero. Trindall's superb performance, which included a double and a hand in two other tries, helped Cronulla establish a commanding 24-0 lead at halftime.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, looked out of sorts in the opening stages, unable to gain a foothold in the match. Their attacking structure seemed disjointed, and they struggled to cope with the Sharks' relentless pressure. Two injury blows for the Cowboys added salt into the wounds, with Kyle Feldt limping off with a calf issue in the second half in what was his final game for the club, while Valentine Holmes was carried off with a lower leg injury.
However, the Cowboys displayed remarkable resilience in the second half, mounting a spirited comeback that almost threatened to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Valentine Holmes scored twice, while Reuben Cotter crossed after a batted-back kick to reduce the deficit to 26-18 with 10 minutes remaining.
But despite their valiant efforts, the Cowboys couldn't quite bridge the gap, and the Sharks held on to secure a well-deserved victory. The victory ended Cronulla's seven-game losing run in finals, and marked their first post-season victory since the semi-finals of 2018. It was a night of triumph for the Sharks, a night they will remember for a long time.
The Trindall Factor
While all eyes were on Nicho Hynes, it was his halves partner Trindall who delivered for the Sharks. Trindall's performance was instrumental in the Sharks' success, with his speed, vision, and composure consistently threatening the Cowboys' defense. His first try came via a penalty try when he was taken out by Reuben Cotter while chasing through on his own grubber kick. His second try came when Trindall put up a bomb, stayed alive on the play and scored after Briton Nikora batted the kick back and Jesse Ramien flicked the ball out to the No.6.
Sharks Overcome the Pressure
Cronulla's coach Craig Fitzgibbon admitted that the pressure of breaking the club's finals drought was immense, but he lauded his players for their ability to overcome it. Fitzgibbon emphasized that the Sharks were determined to learn from their past finals failures and focus on what they could control in the present. He acknowledged that the Cowboys were a formidable opponent, but the Sharks were confident in their own abilities.
Cowboys Fall Short Despite Comeback
The Cowboys, while ultimately falling short, displayed commendable resilience in the second half. Their comeback effort was led by Valentine Holmes, who crossed for two tries, and Reuben Cotter, who scored after a batted-back kick. Their efforts were not enough to overcome the Sharks' early dominance, but their determination and grit demonstrated their character.
What's Next?
The Cronulla Sharks now turn their attention to next week's preliminary final against the Penrith Panthers. It will be a tough challenge for the Sharks, but they will be brimming with confidence after their impressive victory over the Cowboys. The Sharks have overcome a significant hurdle and now have an opportunity to take their place among the NRL's elite.
The North Queensland Cowboys, on the other hand, must now regroup and focus on rebuilding for next season. Their journey has come to an abrupt end, but they can take solace in the fact that they gave everything they had and fell just short of their ultimate goal. They will be eager to bounce back in 2025 and make another run for the premiership.
