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Despite the Sharks’ golden point loss, Cronulla fans were treated to a playmaking masterclass from pairing Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan.
Hynes had spoken previously about the pressure he was under to step up in the finals in a more prominent role with Cronulla and he certainly answered that call.
Flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo also delivered a near-perfect performance alongside Siosifa Talakai on the left side of the field.
Meanwhile, Connor Tracey had a night to forget.
Read on for the Sharks player ratings from their qualifying final against the Cowboys.
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1. WILLIAM KENNEDY – 7
Found himself out of position for the Cowboys’ first try, but made up for it with a strong support effort after Mulitalo’s left-side break. Was otherwise reliable and cleaned up some smart kicking from Chad Townsend.
2. CONNOR TRACEY – 4
Had the chance to hand his side the lead on the stroke of halftime and lost the ball, otherwise didn’t feature in the first half. Shot up in defence to allow Murray Taulagi to score in the second half before being sent to the sin bin for a professional foul with seven minutes left in the contest.
3. JESSE RAMIEN – 6
Early mistake which proved costly, but made up for it with a number of bustling runs. Was under par by his usual standards but was impacted by the Sharks consistently attacking on the left side. Still recorded 144 running metres and five tackle breaks.
4. SIOSIFA TALAKAI – 8
Was on the end of a smart play from Hynes and Moylan to score. Consistently charged into the Cowboys’ defensive line and recorded an impressive 200 running metres, three tackle breaks, a try and a line break.
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5. RONALDO MULITALO – 9
Made his presence known early with several impressive aerial takes and sparked a battle with the Cowboys’ right side attack. Flew onto a Nicho Hynes pass and was clinical to find Kennedy on the inside for the Sharks’ third try. Consistently threatened and delivered a near perfect performance with 233 running metres, nine tackle breaks and two line breaks.
6. MATT MOYLAN – 8
Was absent for the first 20 minutes but a brilliant trick play in the 24th minute stunned North Queensland’s defence and afforded Hynes all the space in the world before the pair combined again last in the first half. Went on to have a strong performance and did his job well.
7. NICHO HYNES – 9
Great line defence early and caught the Cowboys napping with a driven dropout which found the sideline in an intelligent play. Recorded a try assist for Talakai’s simple four-pointer, but was the beneficiary of a smart Moylan pass. Another trick play between Cronulla’s halves sparked the Sharks’ third before he again orchestrated another in the second half. Hynes had a hand in everything and was consistently scheming. A very strong performance.
8. TOBY RUDOLF – 8
On return from a knee injury, the Cronulla cult-hero charged through Cowboys defenders in a run labelled “incredible” by Fox League’s Greg Alexander to open the scoring in front of Sharks faithful. Delivered an inspired performance with 126 running metres and four tackle breaks.
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9. BLAYKE BRAILEY – 9
Looked dangerous scooting out of dummy-half and didn’t put a foot wrong all game. Also made a ridiculous 58 tackles.
10. ROYCE HUNT – 5
Was solid in a short 41 minute stint but failed to stamp his mark on the on the contest like Cronulla fans had seen in weeks gone by.
11. BRITON NIKORA – 7
Didn’t make much of an impact early but sprung to life with a smart kick on the stroke of halftime, which saw Connor Tracey come desperately close to scoring. Lost the ball in crucial field position in extra time but was overall solid, going about his business silently. Nikora recorded an impressive 47 tackles.
12. WADE GRAHAM – 7
Did lots of work in the first half and went about his business quietly on the left-side of the field. A solid contributor.
13. DALE FINUCANE – 5
Recorded an early error in strong field position for the Cowboys and didn’t seem to find his feet in the contest. Although, the veteran still made 39 tackles and recorded 103 running metres.
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14. TEIG WILTON – 7
Was solid in a 61 minute stint, recording 92 running metres and 32 tackles. Didn’t put a foot wrong.
15. CAMERON MCINNES – 8
Went about his work as usual and charged onto a Nicho Hynes pass to level the score in the second half. Tough display which is to be expected from the Cronulla utility. Chalked up 136 running metres and 37 tackles.
16. BRADEN HAMLIN-UELE – 4
Was only on the field for 25 minutes and didn’t make a huge impact.
17. ANDREW FIFITA – 4
Another big man who was unable to stamp his mark on the contest with minimal minutes.
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