The Cronulla Sharks have pulled off an amazing comeback to defeat the North Queensland Cowboys by six points at 1300SMILES Stadium.
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The Sharks were being dominated early and were 18-0 down at half-time.
But they fought back to score three straight tries to sensationally tie the game up at 18-18.
On 67 minutes they scored again to take the lead for the first time in the match.
They held on to notch a famous win, ending the Cowboys’ long streak of victories.
In the first 40 minutes, even without playmaker Jonathan Thurston, the Cowboys were flying.
They looked impressive with the ball and strong in defence.
Jake Granville has been outstanding this year, especially for a rookie.
The hooker has scored several important tries and helped spark his team on many occasions.
This was another eye-catching effort as Granville showed his speed.
He went straight up the middle and stunned the Sharks’ defence to score.
Quickly the Cowboys added a second.
Michael Morgan is another North Queensland player who is on fire at the moment.
He broke through the line and the ball went through the hands for another try.
The Cowboys are great to watch when on song.
The reeling Sharks couldn’t stop North Queensland adding a third try.
This time they went to the left side with a quick shift.
The passing was wonderful and the Cowboys busted through, Antonio Winterstein touching down.
At half-time it was 18-0 to the Cowboys. They were cruising on their home patch.
But it’s amazing how momentum can change in a match.
The Sharks came out of the sheds as a team reborn.
Early into the second half they finally got on the scoreboard.
Michael Ennis stepped up to take control.
He went on the front foot and threw the pass for a hard-running Luke Lewis to score.
This try gave Cronulla some hope.
Ennis then helped set up their second four-pointer.
The Sharks had a sniff.
The Cowboys were wobbling and Cronulla were playing with confidence.
Andrew Fifita used brute strength to tie the game up.
The Australian and NSW forward barged over and the Sharks were elated.
With 13 minutes left the Sharks took the lead.
A mistake from the Cowboys at the back, after a Jeff Robson kick, caused the try.
Ricky Leutele was on hand to ground the ball. It was a very costly error from North Queensland.
The Cowboys pushed to tie the game back up.
But the Sharks held them out.
Cronulla went for a field goal, twice, but failed at both attempts.
But it didn’t matter, they manged to hold on to see out full-time.
It was a massive victory for the Sharks, especially as it was in Townsville at 1300SMILES Stadium.
The Cowboys haven’t been beaten in months and this win will give Cronulla huge confidence for the rest of the season.
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