This was published 6 months ago
Thanks for joining us tonight.
It’ll be a heck of a party down in the Shire tonight after the Sharks’ 20-point win over the minor premiers.
Plus some soul-searching for the Raiders.
Our man Christian Nicolussi is on deck in Canberra (Mooseheads?) and will bring you all the latest news from the sheds. Make sure you check out our mastheads for all the latest NRL news over the next few days and weeks as the grand final approaches.
Until next time, cheers.
We’ve got another pearler up tomorrow, with the Bulldogs taking on the Panthers.
Stephen Crichton has fallen short in his bid to overcome a serious ankle injury to play in Sunday’s semi-final blockbuster with the Panthers, while Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo described media coverage labelling his team the “Temu Penrith” as “ridiculous”.
Canterbury will need to upset premiers Penrith in front of a huge crowd at Accor Stadium on Sunday without their captain.
Crichton lasted just 20 minutes against the Storm last Friday night before hobbling from the field with what was later confirmed to be a syndesmosis injury and a mid-foot sprain. But he was determined to give it his all to play against his former club.
Yes, Cronulla, that respect you’ve craved has been well and truly earned.
You are off to another preliminary final, you have won nine of your last 10 games, your defence has been sensational, and you are entitled to believe you can upset Melbourne in their own backyard next Friday night and play in the grand final.
The Sharks broke Canberra hearts with a 32-12 victory on a chilly Saturday night in the nation’s capital.
Most of the Raiders fans were only just starting to recover from the horror show that was the 94-minute golden-point loss to the Broncos six days earlier.
It’s all over in Canberra.
Sharks 32, Raiders 12.
An upset that will live long in the memory for Raiders fans. They thought they’d won last week.
Now they’re gearing up for a seriously sad Mad Monday. Sharks fans are doing the ‘Viking Clap’.
Cronulla will face Melbourne in next week’s preliminary final.
Raiders reserve Owen Pattie’s little grubber kick can’t find a teammate. Tough blow with points needed here.
Cronulla get a set restart in Raiders territory and they are in no rush. Controlling the game well and Hynes growing with confidence as the game goes on.
TRY! Teig Wilton with a deft little kick and regather. As good as it gets.
Raiders … goneski. Tough stuff after being the best team all year.
2009 and 1993 last time a minor premier has gone out in straight sets.
Cronulla lead 32-12 with five minutes remaining
Time is ticking for the home side.
Cronulla have been very clever with their kicking game and pinning the Raiders down their own end.
Sharks lead 26-12 after 70 minutes
The Canberra crowd has gone silent after watching KL Iro scoop a loose ball on the ground and bag a four-pointer.
There is some concern about an offside from a kick in the air but it’s been given the green light.
The men in green trail by 14 points with 15 minutes remaining.
26-12 to Cronulla.
Straight sets on the cards for Canberra.
Grant Atkins has to be seriously in the running to referee the grand final. He has been outstanding tonight.
Listening to the sports ears at the ground, Atkins is clear with his messaging, and like all good players, appears to have plenty of time with what he is doing.