NYC Rd 9 Souths 36 Cronulla 36

by NRL

A brilliant late comeback saw the Rabbitohs Toyota Cup side draw 36-36 with the Sharks in an entertaining clash.

The huge Sharks forward pack appeared to have carried the Cronulla side to a viceroy before tries to Blake Matthews and Luke Keary stole the draw. Apisai Koroisau showed steely nerves to convert after the siren from a difficult angle.

Despite James Roberts and Luke Keary looking dangerous early on it was the Sharks who got the jump early with a try in just the 3rd minute through Josh Lambert. The scored a second shortly after when Daniel Moroko strolled over but couldn't convert either, leading 8-0.

South Sydney finally crossed in the 18th minute when winger Tyrone Phillips scored but Cronulla responded almost immediately, Kyle Eather putting the visitors up 14-6. The game looked all but over with two tries Tyrone Viiga just before the half and the Rabbiohs trailed 26-6 at half-time.

David Sisifa restored hopes with a fantastic try on the left sideline in the 43rd minute. The Sharks scored two quick tries shortly after with Lambert scoring his second and Finlay Dibey completing one of the tries of the year and the Rabbitohs were in damage control, 36-12 down.

Blake Matthews and Jordan Tongahai scored in quick succession and suddenly the Rabbitohs were on the front foot. They looked like they had time their run too late however, trailing 36-24 with just 5 minutes on the clock. James Roberts had other ideas. His clever grubber was deflected and collected by the Sharks, he chased his kick forcing the ball loose in-goal and Blake Matthews dived on it to give South Sydney a slim chance.

With just seconds left, Keary chipped ahead for James Roberts who outpaced a couple of Sharks players to gather the ball. He looked to be wrapped up but flicked the ball out to Keary who brilliantly scooped up the pass at his feet and won the race to the line. Koroisau was left with a very tough kick but continued his great form with the boot, slotting his 6th conversion to draw the match after the siren.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 36 (Tries: Matthews 2, Phillips, Sisifa, Tongahai, Keary. Goals: Koroisau 6/6) Drew with Cronulla Sharks 36 (Tries: Lambert 2, Viiga 2, Eather, Moroko, Dibley. Goals: Garrett 4/5, Walsh 0/2)

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