Round 16
Knights 16 l. Sharks 26

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Sharks continue winning ways
Sun June 25, 2006
Cronulla halfback and captain Brett Kimmorley has given himself every chance of winning a recall to State of Origin football with another outstanding performance in steering the Sharks to an impressive 26-16 victory against Newcastle at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Kimmorley and Penrith's Craig Gower are vying for the vacant New South Wales halfback position for the Origin decider in Melbourne on Wednesday week with Kimmorley's form in recent weeks continuing the Sharks outstanding season to date. Gower was impressive for the Panthers as well last night giving the selectors a healthy headace as they decide on Brett Finch's replacement. Both Braith Anasta and Craig Wing are also in danger of losing their positions in the NSW side where the selectors may opt for the easy way out by naming Kimmorley at halfback with Gower at five-eighth or on the bench.

Another two Cronulla players to yet again impress were Paul Gallen and Lance Thompson with both players on the edge of Blues selection. The positions of Mark O'Meley and Andrew Ryan might come under question with Gallen and Thompson putting their name forward and one of the selectors favourites Jason Ryles could also come into consideration after having a few games under his belt.

Cronulla's victory wasn't without its share of controversy with a few decisions possibly going in favour of the Sharks. Kimmorley after the match said, "We had a few let offs with no try decisions and had they got one of those they may have gone on to win, but in saying that they weren't given as tries and we were good enough to be able to score a couple of tries of our own and to go on to win the match."

Newcastle led 10-0 at half-time with winger Anthony Quinn scoring a double with tries in the 22nd and 34th minutes with Andrew Johns converting his second try.

The Sharks came out more determined after the break and led 12-10 within five of the resumption of play. Nigel Vagana scored in the 42nd minute and Brett Kearney crossed three minutes later with Luke Covell converting both tries for Cronulla to hit the lead.

Craig Smith regained Newcastle's lead with a 50th minute try and Johns added the extras for the Knights to be up 16-12.

Covell got the Sharks within two points with a penalty goal in the 60th minute.

Cronulla regained the lead in the 70th minute when Beau Scott scored and Vagana sealed victory with his second try in the dying stages.

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