Wade Graham returns to spark Sharks past Rabbitohs, into NRL top eight

Playing his first game since State of Origin III, the crafty back-rower set up two tries, had a hand in another and proved a steadying influence as the Sharks rocketed to seventh on the ladder.

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A Wade Graham-inspired Cronulla side has helped catapult the Sharks back into the top eight after a shock 39-24 win against South Sydney.

The loss could have further ramifications for South Sydney with Sam Burgess placed on report earning the ire of his coach Wayne Bennett.

But the victory for Cronulla moved them into seventh on the premiership ladder with Wade Graham starring again on his return from injury in front of 13525 people.

Graham laid on the opening two tries for Cronulla to Josh Dugan and Bronson Xerri respectively before starting the play for Xerri’s second in the six try to four win.

Coach John Morris said “no one brings what (Graham) brings.

“We missed him,” Morris said.

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Josh Morris is swamped by Sharks teammates after scoring a try. Picture: AAP

“He has had an interrupted year. It was there for everyone to see. “Three try assists. His ability to play with the ball he has so much time. Great to have his leadership.”

Graham added: “I’m feeling pretty good. I want to make sure I hit the ground running. I’ve missed a lot of footy.

Bronson Xerri scores a try for the Sharks. Picture: AAP

“I feel good. It’s just staying out on the park. My injuries have been unavoidable. Hopefully all the bad luck is over and done with.”

Cronulla led 14-0 after 24 minutes with their forwards dominating South Sydney’s.

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Sam Burgess was put on report in the Rabbitohs’ loss to Cronulla. Picture: AAP

BURGESS TROUBLE

Sam Burgess hadn’t played since round 13 and the South Sydney skipper is facing another stint on the sidelines after being placed on report after just four minutes prompting his coach Wayne Bennett to say he was “not happy” with his star player.

Burgess collected Cronulla fullback Matt Moylan high with a swinging arm which left Moylan needing to come from the field 13 minutes later for a head injury assessment. Burgess was later penalised for putting an elbow to the head of Gallen which went unreported. He is in doubt for their clash against Melbourne next Sunday.

“I wanted him to lead us from the front and stay within the rules of the game,” Bennett said.

Souths players watch on after a Cronulla try. Picture: AAP

“He will have to get that off his conscience. It’s not what he needed at the time.

“Aggression is important. I want them all to play with aggression. But there are rules.

“Sam is an important part of the team. We’d like to have him next week against Melbourne. It’s out of our control.”

South Sydney prop Junior Tatola could also come under scrutiny for a high tackle on Matt Prior.

SHARKS SHOWDOWN

Cronulla’s win meant they knocked Penrith out of the top eight. The two teams will square off on Friday in what could be a season-defining match. Morris knows the importance of the game.

“I understand where they are on the ladder,” Morris said.

“It’s going to be a huge game.”

Damien Cook had an injury scare in the Rabbitohs’ loss. Picture: Getty Images

COOK SCARE

The Rabbitohs were given a scare when Damien Cook thought he had done serious damage to his elbow. Cook said he felt he could’ve done a serious injury.

“It was a weird feeling,” Cook said.

“I copped a knock in the funny bone and my whole arm went dead. I was freaking out.”

Cook and fullback Adam Doueihi were standouts for South Sydney. Cook laid on a South Sydney second try to Cameron Murray to have the side trailing by just two after 30 minutes.

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CRONULLA 39 (B Xerri 2 J Dugan J Morris R Mulitalo B Nikora tries S Johnson 7 goals C Townsend field goal) bt SOUTH SYDNEY 24 (D Gagai C Graham C Murray C Walker tries A Reynolds 4 goals) at PointsBet Stadium. Referee: David Munro, Adam Gee. Crowd: 13,523