The Cronulla Sharks cruised to their 13th consecutive win of the season to put the minor premiership firmly in their sights after cruising to a 16-point win over a hapless Penrith Panthers.
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Sharks continue winning streak
A stellar performance from Ben Barba helped the Sharks to victory at Penrith.
If ever there was a win that defined their title credentials then it was perhaps that provided by a depleted side that replaced five Origin stars with just as many making their season debut. With less firepower, the Sharks' pack became more disciplined.
Without an experienced half to steer the team, fullback Ben Barba emerged more dominant and even when kicking options fell short, Chad Townsend stepped-up with a perfect conversion rate off the boot as the Sharks clinched a vital 26-10 away win.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan admitted he never expected to have five players selected for Origin. With so few injuries this season, being unable to give so many players first grade football has been one of the hardest aspects to his selection choice but Flanagan was pleased by the performance of those who had come in – particularly the players who hadn't played this season.
"It gives all the senior players real confidence that if needed when these players come in, they'll do the job. I was really proud from a club perspective," Flanagan said. "We had five in Origin, we knew we would have a few but it exceeded my expectations but I'm really happy about it and I'm pleased for the club."
The makeshift Sharks still caused havoc when taking on the line. Fa'amanu Brown filled in for James Maloney and showed why he's one to watch for the future, splitting the Panthers' defence to set up Barba who scored the opening try with a blistering run.
The fullback was winding back the clock with some of his vintage best with a second try, pouncing on a mistake before embarking on another trademark darting run that left Penrith's backline chasing his shadow.
For all their ruthlessness and speed in attack, the Sharks went into the break with just a two-point advantage. The impact of two missed conversions from good range by Holmes were felt after Leilani Latu hit back on the stroke of half-time and Nathan Cleary converted from in front of the posts.
One fan thought it would be a good idea to release a black cat on the field shortly after the restart, showing no regard for animal welfare. Perhaps it proved a bad luck charm for the hosts who fell apart immediately thereafter.
Cronulla restored their comfortable lead through Mitch Brown. Penrith looked to be under a hoodoo when they gifted Cronulla another try minutes later when Will Smith dropped the ball in front of his own line, giving Sharks forward Joseph Paulo an easy try in a somewhat embarrassing manner.
The Sharks' 13th consecutive NRL win was sealed by former Penrith captain Luke Lewis, who cruised through a static and disorganised defensive line to make it 26-6 once Chad Townsend converted. That was all the home fans could bear, well before Isaah Yeo restored some parity with thousands heading to the exits perhaps cursing the lone fool who may have jinxed his side with that black cat.
Compounding the Panthers' woes was the axing of young star Tyrone Peachey who was dropped to the reserves for disciplinary reasons. However, coach Anthony Griffin has opened the door for his return next week and says issues around his attendance at training last week have already been addressed.
"If he goes to training he will be [selected]," Griffin said. "Always disappointed, I could have taken a softer option on the circumstances and slapped him on the wrist with a fine but that's not what we're about. He knew better than anyone that he'd done the wrong thing and he had to pay the price. That's something internally, it's not a major issue, I haven't got a problem with Tyrone, he's a great kid but he's just put himself in the wrong position."
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