Dolphins Stun Sharks: NRL Round 3 Highlights & Results
The Cronulla Sharks suffered a stunning 38-10 defeat at home to the Dolphins on Saturday night, ending their eight-game winning streak at Ocean Protect Stadium. The Dolphins’ victory marks their second consecutive win and one of their most impressive performances since joining the National Rugby League (NRL).
Despite a tight contest for much of the game, the Dolphins pulled away in the final ten minutes, scoring three unanswered tries to inflate the scoreline. Andrew Voss, commentating on Fox League, described the Dolphins’ late surge as “slicing up the Sharks.”
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf praised his team’s defensive effort, noting how it disrupted the Sharks’ rhythm and silenced the home crowd. Jake Averillo opened the scoring for the Dolphins, followed by tries from Jamayne Isaako and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, establishing a 16-4 lead at halftime.
The Sharks attempted to mount a comeback early in the second half, with Braydon Trindall scoring a try in his 100th game. Yet, the Dolphins responded with penalty goals and ultimately dominated the closing stages of the match.
Herbie Farnworth proved a key attacking threat for the Dolphins, consistently troubling the Sharks’ defense. He recorded five tackle busts and four offloads in the first half alone, setting up a crucial try for Tabuai-Fidow. Farnworth’s performance came after Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton also impressed earlier in the week.
Isaiya Katoa, the Dolphins’ halfback, was named Fox Lab’s Player of the Match, contributing to four of his team’s six tries with two assists and two key contributions, including a precise pass that led to Isaako’s try.
The Sharks struggled to identify their attacking rhythm, failing to score more than ten points for the second consecutive game. Toby Rudolf was the only Sharks forward to consistently break the line, although key starters will demand to improve their performance ahead of next week’s challenging away game against the Canberra Raiders.
Sharks captain Blayke Brailey was placed on report for a tripping incident involving Tabuai-Fidow, but will only face a $1000 fine and will not be suspended. Jesse Ramien was also reported for a high tackle, facing a potential $1800 fine.
Statistically, this was the Dolphins’ second-largest win outside of Queensland and their second-best record against the Sharks. Jake Averillo scored his 12th career try double, and his first against Cronulla, while also achieving 170 metres gained for only the fourth time in his career.
The Sharks now hold a 1-2 record for the season and face a difficult road trip to Canberra next week. The Dolphins, meanwhile, prepare for a highly anticipated derby match against the Brisbane Broncos.