The Sharks managed to break a six-year losing streak at AAMI Park on Saturday night, overcoming the absence of star playmaker Nicho Hynes with a 25-18 victory over the Storm.
Hynes was ruled out on game day due to a calf strain, but replacements Daniel Atkinson and Blayke Brailey guided the Sharks to their eighth win of the season.
With the score tied 18-18 in the 74th minute, Atkinson delivered a crucial field goal before Siosifa Talakai’s runaway try sealed the win for Cronulla. Atkinson converted to secure the final score of 25-18.
The Storm had an early opportunity to score after Harry Grant’s 40-20 kick but were denied due to a forward pass. They took a 6-0 lead in the 15th minute following an Eli Katoa try and Nick Meaney’s penalty kick. The Sharks responded with Tuku Hau Tapuha’s close-range try, leveling the score. However, Cameron Munster’s precise pass to Reimis Smith put Melbourne back ahead, 12-6.
The Storm lost Harry Grant to a sin bin late in the first half for a dangerous tackle, and the Sharks capitalised immediately, with Oregon Kaufusi scoring under the posts. Cronulla then took the lead when Jesse Ramien dived into the right corner, putting the Sharks up 18-12. Melbourne tied it up again after Tyran Wishart’s try, setting up the tense finale.
In the closing minutes, Atkinson’s one-point field goal gave the Sharks a slim lead before Talakai’s try from the restart extended it. Despite Melbourne’s late efforts, the Sharks held on for their first AAMI Park win since 2018. They now sit atop the Telstra Premiership ladder heading into a Magic Round clash against the Roosters.
