The Cronulla Sharks and Townsville Stingers are set to collide in an explosive showdown in the U/16s National Championship Final at 11am on Saturday.
Cronulla upset the Minor Premiers, Parramatta Eels, to clinch the Harold Matthews Premiership. The fifth-placed Sharks beat the previously undefeated Eels in what was a massive weekend for the Cronulla club, winning both Junior Representative competitions.
The Sharks scored six tries against the Eels who were the competition’s best defensive team in conceding a measly 58 points all season.
Cronulla have been rewarded from their success with four of their players being named in the U/16s NSW Pathways Squad. The players include Dylan Smith, Luke Metcalf, Jaeman Salmon and Lachlan Smith. These players will play a crucial role in deciding whether Cronulla will become National Champions this weekend.
Cronulla will have to find a way to topple the undefeated Stingers who won the Cyril Connell Cup after escaping with a thrilling 31-30 extra-time victory in the State Final two weeks ago.
Many of the Cronulla players in the Harold Matthews competition will be looking to move into the U/18s team and assist the SG Ball side to go back to back next season.
The Sharks' success in the Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions will provide a bright spark for the future of the club and give great hope to all Sharks fans.
Live streaming will be available once again via www.nswrl.com.au, back by popular demand following last week's live streaming of the SG Ball and Harold Matthews Finals.
