The Sydney Roosters are one victory away from their first NRL grand final in seven years after overpowering Cronulla 46-10 at Sydney Football Stadium, setting up a preliminary-final showdown with the Dolphins.
The Sharks’ challenge was badly disrupted when Nicho Hynes failed a head injury assessment and Mawene Hiroti suffered a knee injury, allowing the Roosters to pull away with 24 points in the closing 30 minutes.
Daly Cherry-Evans was placed on report for tripping Teig Wilton, while coach Trent Robinson is “pretty confident” Sam Walker will return from ankle surgery for the Dolphins clash.
Angus Crichton also successfully returned from a lengthy injury absence. For Cronulla, the heavy defeat extends a frustrating run of finals appearances without reaching the premiership decider, with several established players now departing, although coach Craig Fitzgibbon insists the Sharks are not heading into a rebuild.
