The Sydney Roosters extended their NRL Finals dominance with a second-half demolition of the Cronulla Sharks, securing a spot within one game of the grand final. The match began as a tight contest, but injuries to two Sharks key players—Mawene Hiroti and Nicho Hynes—left the Shire-based outfit with only two substitutes, a deficit that became decisive as the Roosters surged ahead. With their next challenge against the Dolphins looming, the Roosters now face a preliminary final where depth and consistency will be tested once more.
The Roosters’ attack was led by James Tedesco, whose all-around brilliance cemented his status as the team’s most reliable weapon. He controlled play from the fullback position, dictating the pace and ensuring the Roosters’ forward momentum. Behind him, Reece Robson delivered another standout performance as hooker, combining ball-handling skill with aggressive tackling to disrupt the Sharks’ structure. Robson’s ability to both distribute and defend made him the Roosters’ most consistent player in the first 40.
In the absence of Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans stepped up as the Roosters’ kicking leader, providing both range and accuracy. His ability to run with the ball and score under pressure, including a try, highlighted why his signing has been a smart move for the club. The Roosters’ midfield was anchored by Mark Nawaqanitawase, whose physicality and speed made him a constant threat in both attack and defense. At 150 metres gained in a single game, his impact was undeniable, though his absence next week will be felt.
Sharks’ Depth Crisis Exposed by Early Injuries
The Sharks’ collapse was partly self-inflicted. Injuries to Hynes and Hiroti removed two of their most experienced players before the game even began, but the team’s lack of depth became the deciding factor. With only two substitutes available, the Sharks were forced to rotate players in and out of the game, leaving key positions exposed. Braydon Trindall, playing with a shoulder injury, was the Sharks’ sole standout, dominating at number seven despite the physical toll. His performance reinforced expectations that he will be the team’s starting lock next season.
Midfield contributions came from Addin Fonua-Blake, who ran hard through the middle, and Jesse Colquhoun, whose defensive work in the lock position was key. However, the Sharks’ backline struggled to match the Roosters’ attacking rhythm. Blayke Brailey, despite a strong showing, couldn’t compensate for the lack of firepower elsewhere. The Sharks’ bench players, including Siosifa Talakai and Thomas Hazelton, showed effort but failed to shift the momentum in their favor.
One of the Sharks’ biggest concerns remains KL Iro, whose defensive errors and apparent fatigue suggested he may be playing through an injury. His struggles showed the team’s broader issue: even when players like Ronaldo Mulitalo flashed moments of brilliance, the Sharks lacked the consistency to sustain pressure on the Roosters. The Sharks’ inability to replace lost key players, particularly Hynes and Hiroti, left them with no margin for error.
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Roosters’ Bench Proves Decisive in Late Dominance
The Roosters’ bench also played a role in the victory, with Nat Butcher and Angus Crichton providing late-game impact. Butcher’s physicality and Crichton’s recovery from injury were critical in maintaining the Roosters’ dominance. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ backline, including William Kennedy and Billy Burns, failed to register significant contributions, with Burns managing just 37 minutes of play and limited influence.
The Roosters’ depth was further highlighted by the contributions of Salesi Foketi, whose form in recent weeks has eased concerns over Angus Crichton’s departure. Foketi’s physical presence and defensive work in the second row were a key reason the Roosters maintained their dominance in the set pieces. Meanwhile, Daniel Tupou, whose contract remains unsigned, continued to excel, particularly in the air, where his aerial dominance forced the Sharks into defensive errors.
In the centres, Robert Toia delivered a complete performance, combining tackle breaks with attacking runs to stretch the Sharks’ defence. His ability to read the game and create space made him one of the Roosters’ most reliable ball carriers. Hugo Savala, who had struggled the previous week, rebounded with two try-assisting runs, while Lindsay Collins anchored the midfield with relentless effort, often leading the charge through the middle.
Sharks’ Backline Struggles to Stop Roosters’ Attack
The Sharks’ backline, despite flashes of brilliance, failed to provide the necessary firepower. Blayke Brailey held his own in the dummy-half role, but the lack of support from wider players left the Sharks’ attack predictable. Ronaldo Mulitalo had moments of individual brilliance, but his inconsistency mirrored the team’s broader struggles. Siua Wong, playing on the edge, showed promise with both his running and defensive plays, though his impact was limited by the Sharks’ overall defensive frailties.
Off the bench, Nat Butcher and Angus Crichton provided the Roosters with late-game momentum. Butcher’s physicality disrupted the Sharks’ structure, while Crichton’s return from injury, marked by strong carries, signalled his readiness for the next challenge. The Sharks’ bench, meanwhile, offered little relief. Siosifa Talakai and Thomas Hazelton ran hard, but their lack of speed in the modern game left them unable to shift the momentum. Billy Burns, limited to just 37 minutes, failed to register meaningful contributions, further exposing the Sharks’ defensive vulnerabilities.
The Sharks’ struggles extended beyond individual performances. KL Iro’s defensive lapses and apparent fatigue raised questions about his fitness, while William Kennedy and Billy Burns, both key backline players, delivered underwhelming efforts. The Sharks’ inability to replace Hynes and Hiroti left them without the experience needed to counter the Roosters’ depth. With Braydon Trindall and Jesse Colquhoun emerging as the only bright spots, the Sharks’ path forward remains uncertain.