The ladder-leading Cronulla Sharks have started their Magic Round blockbuster against the Roosters in perfect fashion, scoring from their very first set off the kick-off.
A 70-metre play on the final tackle was sparked by the returning Nicho Hynes opting to pass down the right flank rather than kick. Some quick passing down the sideline opened up the Roosters defence before a chipped kick was dropped by Dom Young near the Roosters’ line. Will Kennedy pounced on the loose ball and scored for the Sharks inside 60 seconds!
But the Roosters hit back quickly. A set restart in the middle of the field gave them strong field position, and their red-hot attack capitalized with a brilliant flick pass from Joseph Suaalii gave Dom Young his 50th try in just 59 games.
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PREVIEW
The Cronulla Sharks have been handed a major boost as superstar halfback Nicho Hynes makes his return from calf tightness against the Sydney Roosters.
The Sharks are 1-17, while for the Roosters Connor Watson will start at hooker with Brandon Smith sifting to the bench.
The Sharks were without Hynes in last weekend’s clash against the Storm but Craig Fitzgibbon’s side prevailed in a thrilling 25-18 victory that ensured his side remained top of the ladder.
The return of Hynes couldn’t come at a better time either as he looks to cement a place in Blues coach Michael Maguire’s squad for Origin Game I on June 5.
As for the Roosters, they’re looking to continue a remarkable run of attacking dominance.
The Roosters have scored a total of 138 points in their last three — averaging 46 points per game — and will no doubt want to continue that streak against the Sharks.
TEAM NEWS
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Thomas Hazelton 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha. 18th man: 19. Mawene Hiroti
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii 4. Fetalaiga Pauga 5. Dominic Young 6. Luke Keary 7. Sam Walker 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 14. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 9. Brandon Smith 15. Egan Butcher 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Terrell May. 18th man: 18. Zach Dockar-Clay
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