A decimated Cronulla almost produced the biggest rugby league upset in many years. taking the North Queensland Cowboys to golden point on Monday night and losing 20-19 at Townsville.
The Sharks were without 18 players through injury and ASADA-enforced suspensions, yet showed plenty of fight to almost upset the red hot favourites.
Sports betting agencies had offered the Sharks 30.5 points start.
Only a field goal in golden point extra-time separated the two teams, with Jonathan Thurston potting the match decider.
Sharks coach James Shepherd was proud of the team and the way they played.
Sharks lock Chris Heighington was full of praise for the team.
‘‘If we'd won, that would have been the game of my life. As it is, it’s in the top five on the highlight reel,’’ Heighington said.
Unfortunately, the Sharks will get the wooden spoon as they are anchored on 14 points, with one game to play.
The Sharks tackle Wests Tigers at 3pm this Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
North Queensland 20 d Cronulla 19 (Siosia Feki 2, Pat Politoni tries. Michael Gordon 3 goals, Daniel Holdsworth field goal).
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