The Cronulla Sharks delivered a commanding performance, overpowering the Gold Coast Titans with a resounding 54-22 victory at Sharks Stadium on Saturday. The Sharks showcased their dominance by scoring nine consecutive tries, with Fox League commentator Andrew Voss remarking, “This is a pile on, it’s no mercy.”
Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes was instrumental, contributing significantly with two tries, 22 points, and a try assist. Both wingers, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa, also starred in the second half, each adding two tries to the Sharks’ tally.
However, the match took a worrying turn with the early exit of skipper Cameron McInnes, who suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury, raising concerns over his stability. He will undergo scans to assess the damage.
Hynes set the pace early in the third minute, executing a clever chip-and-chase to open the scoring. The Titans briefly rallied, with Jaylan De Groot capitalising on an intercepted pass to score, followed by Beau Fermor, giving Gold Coast a flicker of hope.
Cronulla’s Jesse Colquhoun scored his maiden NRL try after pouncing on a loose ball from a Sharks bomb, followed by a second try from Hynes, who was assisted by Mawene Hiroti. Just before half-time, Hiroti provided another assist, setting up Will Kennedy, leading to a 28-10 advantage for the Sharks at the break.
The Titans’ captain, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, was temporarily sidelined for a head injury assessment after a collision but managed to return to the game. The Sharks continued their scoring spree in the second half, with Mulitalo getting his first try, and not long after, a second, showcasing his defensive prowess with a try-saving tackle against De Groot.
The Sharks rounded off the scoring with a try from Tuku Hau Tapuha and a quick double from Katoa. Despite late consolation tries from Titans players Phillip Sami and Josh Patston, the victory propelled the Sharks into sixth place on the ladder, keeping their aspirations for a top-four position alive.
Overall, the match highlighted the Sharks’ offensive firepower, while the Titans were left to reflect on a missed opportunity for a more competitive outing.