The defending premiers 2017 campaign has perhaps not gone according to the script, with the Cronulla Sharks going down to the Brisbane Broncos in the opening game of the season.
Playing at home in a game that many would have expected them to win, the Sharks were in the contest throughout the entire game but in the end, could not match the class of the Broncos outfit and lost 26-18.
Sharks fans can be pleased with the resolve and fight in the team to mount a second-half comeback like they did but in the end, it was some Anthony Milford magic that won the game for the Broncos and stole the show.
The intent was shown early from the Sharks as their defensive efforts kept the Broncos at bay but only for so long. Jordan Kahu scored the opening try of the game before the Sharks hit back through fill-in fullback, Gerard Beale.
James Roberts then got his name on the scoresheet in the second half before Corey Oates did the same, stretching the Broncos lead to 14 points.
The Sharks comeback would begin here as a James Maloney try came from a fortuitous bounce that saw Jack Bird overrun the ball before Ricky Leutele powered his way over to make the contest interesting.
Just as the Sharks were gaining the momentum, the Broncos received a penalty and from that play, it was Milford who stole the show as he weaved and darted his way through the line & powered over to seal the win.
Broncos 26 (Jordan Kahu, James Roberts, Corey Oates, Anthony Milford tries; Jordan Kahu 5 goals) def. Sharks 18 (Gerard Beale, James Maloney, Ricky Leutele tries; James Maloney 3 goals) at Southern Cross Group Stadium. Half-time: 14-6. Crowd: 11,493.
Our Player of the Match:
3. Anthony Milford
2. Corey Oates
- Jayden Brailey