'Just powers over': Sharks enforcer's strong charge stuns Cowboys ...
Sharks enforcer Royce Hunt and veteran Wade Graham have crashed over either side of halftime to hand Cronulla a 24-12 lead.
Off what seemed a regulation hit-up, Hunt bumped out of multiple tackles before finding his feet again to score in the closing minutes of the first half.
“Not much going on, but Hunt just powers over and jams that ball down,” Cooper Cronk said.
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10 minutes in to the second half, Graham finished a smart grubber from Nicho Hynes to score the first points of the period.
To start the clash, Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater crossed for the first try.
Scooting out from behind the ruck, Drinkwater danced past the Sharks’ defence to score the first points of the evening.
“Beautiful play from Drinkwater, show and sell some candy inside and the Sharks defenders buy it,” Cooper Cronk said.
“Hell of a player, it’s been a joy to watch how much he has improved... what a star attraction,” Andrew Voss said.
Moments later winger Ronaldo Mulitalo crossed for Cronulla’s first try, finishing off a smart effort from fullback Connor Tracey.
But the Cowboys once again hit back, with Chad Townsend creating space for winger Semi Valemei to burrow his way over the line.
“Tremendous finish... he still had work to do, he was not going to be denied,” Voss said.
“He must be made of granite.”
Front row enforcer Tom Hazelton burst over from short range, running on to a Blayke Brailey pass late in the first half.
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PRE-MATCH WRAP
Jeremiah Nanai returns from a shoulder injury as the Cowboys host the Sharks in a crunch clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Jason Taumalolo will line up for his 250th NRL game at lock as the Cowboys look to break back into the top eight.
For the Sharks Thomas Hazleton returns after missing Round 24 with a concussion, with Jesse Colquhoun shifting back to the bench.
Chad Townsend comes up against Nicho Hynes in a crucial battle of the halfbacks that could decide the contest.
The fifth placed Sharks need to win to keep their top four hopes alive, while the ninth placed Cowboys need to win to stay in contention for the finals amid the logjam on the ladder.
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