The Tarsha Gale Sharks have gone down by 26-10 to the Dragons in what was a disappointing result but an encouraging first up performance in their round one match.
It was always going to be a difficult challenge first up against the 2021 Tarsha Gale champions, but the Sharks battled back from an 18-0 half time deficit to give themselves a chance of a come from behind win, only to fall short in a gritty effort at PointsBet Stadium.
"We were good in patches but playing against the defending champs, they showed their class and ended up getting on top of us," Sharks coach Jonathan Te Wara said. "We've got a lot of new girls to the squad and I was happy with the effort they put in."
With the wind at their backs the Dragons built a strong lead in the first period and after a penalty goal would lead 20-0 early in the second half.
Two tries in the space of five minutes, the first to Taylor Charman, the second to Tayla Curtis, converted by Brooke Elliott, brought the Sharks within striking distance at 20-10, but unfortunately for the Cronulla girls a late Dragons try would seal the result for the visitors.
Coach Te Wara rated co-captains Sienna Stewart and Sophia Griffin as amongst his team's best on the day.
Despite the loss the Sharks will to take some confidence into their next match against the Illawarra Steelers next weekend.
SHARKS 10 Taylor Charman, Tayla Curtis tries, Brooke Elliott goal Lost to DRAGONS 26
See the Cronulla JRL action gallery from the match below.
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Pictures: Adam Wrightson
Want to download pictures: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tx9gC3Kh7jzqwBkL6
Round 1 - Team List
Chloe Boston
Ella Gould
Taylor Charman
Esther Kautoga
Zoe Topham
Angie Tucker
Sienna Stewart
Skye Brennan
Sereena Moussa
Maddie Dodson
Tayah Beckett
Tayla Curtis
Sophia Griffin Interchange
Brooke Elliott
Talei Vakauta
Shontae Salmon
Kalolaine Veikoso
Kirsty Sant
Chelsee Austin
Abbey Austin