Sharks fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their team is on solid footing despite Nicho Hynes having some ice on his right groin. Meanwhile, Addin Fonua-Blake demonstrated why he’s considered a game-changer, capable of elevating Cronulla from a finals contender to a genuine premiership threat.
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MATCH CENTRE: Raiders vs Sharks stats and more
“Just a little bit of a tight adductor, but I think it was the plan to play that long anyway,” Hynes said post-match.
Despite the early tightness in his groin, Hynes showcased some of his best form, contributing to the Sharks’ comprehensive victory over the Raiders. Fonua-Blake’s prowess was evident as he powered through the Raiders’ defenses to score a try five minutes into the second half, securing a significant advantage for the Sharks.
Speed to BURN – Weekes full field effort | 00:54
Kaeo Weekes, a promising prospect for the number one jersey role, demonstrated his blistering speed in this match. Turning a strong kick into the first points of the night, Weekes showcased why he could be a critical asset to the Sharks’ backline. His run around Nicho Hynes and past two defenders before delivering a perfect pass to Ethan Strange exemplified his potential impact on upcoming matches.
Stuart: “We have a great relationship” | 01:38
Combination Powerhouse: Hynes and Trindall
The synergy between Hynes and Braydon Trindall hinted at a promising partnership. Both halves demonstrated their skills, with Hynes showcasing his playmaking prowess and Trindall contributing to the team’s momentum. The versatility and decision-making from both halves will be crucial to the Sharks’ success.
Recruit Spotlight: Addin Fonua-Blake
Fonua-Blake, a two-time Dally M prop of the year, delivered a standout performance. His try-scoring capabilities and physical presence on the field underscored his value to the Sharks. Given his experience and skill set, he has the potential to turn Cronulla into a title contender.
New Talent: Savelio Tamale
The Sharks also showed faith in rookies like Savelio Tamale, who performed admirably in the first half. His dynamic play, including a successful kick return, caught the eye of many. Tamale’s blend of speed and athleticism could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
No less impressive were Jed Stuart and Chris Vea’iāla. Stuart, despite a nasty head clash, showcased his skills with a strong challenge in the air. Meanwhile, Vea’iāla’s near-miss and subsequent try demonstrated his talent and potential for future performances.
Pronto Preditcation
Given the high-scoring nature of their last match, it’s safe to predict that the Sharks will rank among the top two for points scored this season. The imminent return of Ronaldo Mulitalo, who is projected to score at least 20 tries, further augments this prediction.
Final Thoughts on the Match
The last few matches have highlighted the need for better ball-playing accuracy. Both teams made critical errors that the officials penalized. Adaptation to stricter playing rules will be key to avoiding penalties and maintaining momentum.
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Match Review: Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks
This was the final tune-up match before the Vegas season opener. Both teams fielded strong lineups, with the Raiders relying on key players like Kaeo Weekes, Ethan Strange, and Jamal Fogarty in the offensive unit, and Josh Papali’i and Hudson Young in the pack. For the Sharks, Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes were in control of the halves, with strong support from Addin Fonua-Blake and the rest of the forwards.
Teams
Raiders Team
1. Kaeo Weekes – 2. Xavier Savage – 3. Matthew Timoko – 4. Sebastian Kris – 5. Savelio Tamale
6. Ethan Sanders – 7. Jamal Fogarty – 8. Josh Papali’i – 9. Tom Starling – 10. Trey Mooney
11. Hudson Young – 12. Matt Nicholson – 13. Morgan Smithies – 14. Danny Levi – 15. Albert Hopoate
16. Adam Cook – 17. Jed Stuart – 18. Chevy Stewart – 19. Jenson Taumoepeau – 20. Manaia Waitere
21. Myles Martin – 22. Simi Sasagi – 23. Ethan Sanders –