The focus during the opening match of the double-header at Optus Stadium often shifted from the field to the stands.
The real shotcaller wasn’t Nicho Hynes or Braydon Trindall, although both Cronulla playmakers came up with deft touches that ultimately proved the difference. No, all eyes were on Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who holds the future of rugby league in his hands.
Expansion was being debated during a game in which, after a dour start, some expansive football broke out. Even if the two best tries of the game, to Will Kennedy and opposing fullback Lehi Hopoate, were (correctly) rubbed out by the Bunker.
All the while, Cook watched on, pondering whether more taxpayer dollars should be allocated to ensuring the Greatest Game of All enjoyed a more permanent place in the west.
“We’ve made our position to the NRL very clear, and that is any deal must deliver value for WA taxpayers,” Cook said.
“Since then, we’ve had some positive discussion, and those discussions are ongoing.
Nicho Hynes tries to evade a Luke Brooks tackle on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
“We won’t be making any further comment until those discussions conclude.”
There is reason for hope of fans of the Western Reds. And also the North Sydney Bears.
Less so, however, for supporters of the Sea Eagles. Blown away by Melbourne in front of their own fans, they were at least in this contest after Luke Brooks scored a runaway intercept try, and then Daly Cherry-Evans scored late, to set up a thrilling finish.
“It’s disappointing, the last couple of weeks have been,” said Manly coach Anthony Seibold.
Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks.Credit: Getty Images
“I thought there was a tonne more effort tonight. We knew we had a really good start, winning three of our first four games, so we’re not a million miles away.
“We showed some really good things over the first six weeks, but there’s some areas of our game that we need to get better with. It probably cost us tonight.
“The Sharks are a good side, aren’t they? They’ve been in the top-four the past couple of seasons for a reason. They made us pay a couple of times.”
The Sharks, who blew a slender lead at the death last week against Canberra, learnt from that painful lesson to claim the Steve Rogers Cup. Having it in their possession – after travelling to Vegas, Townsville, Canberra and then Perth – will make the trip home more enjoyable.
Will Kennedy celebrates his try on Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
On two separate occasions in the first half Trindall set up tries for winger Sam Stonestreet, with a pass and then a kick. And then it was another member of the Sharks spine, Kennedy, who came up with the highlight moment with a stunning solo try.
But perhaps the most telling moments came early in the game, when the Sharks were able to repel a Manly outfit that camped in their quarter.
“Particularly in the first half, we were under siege there for a long period of time, a lack of possession and lack of field position,” said Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
“But our defence today for the whole day was [strong]. I feel like Manly are one of the best attacking teams in the comp, they ask you plenty of questions and have got plenty of firepower, so I was most pleased with that.”
Manly’s comeback bid wasn’t the only cause for concern late in the game after Addin Fonua-Blake limped off late.
“I asked him after, he said he felt it early and then kept playing with it,” Fitzgibbon said.
“So I’d suggest that there’s probably some niggle there, but I don’t think it’s significant.”
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