Kennedy shines as Sharks beat Sea Eagles in Perth | NRL

The Sharks bounced back from last week’s heartbreak with a gritty 24-18 win over Manly at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as Will Kennedy lit up Perth with a sparkling individual display that included a try, a disallowed 90-metre effort, and a highlight reel of classy moments.

The result handed the Sea Eagles back-to-back defeats and intensified scrutiny on the playing group following Daly Cherry-Evans’ shock announcement that 2025 would be his final year at Brookvale.

While Cherry-Evans added a late consolation try and tried to spark a late comeback, the Sea Eagles were unable to reel in Cronulla, who controlled the middle stages of the match and capitalised on crucial Manly errors.

Kennedy’s brilliance was the standout. The Cronulla fullback sliced through five defenders for a stunning solo try early in the second half — a just reward after being controversially denied minutes earlier when a blistering 90-metre effort was rubbed out for obstruction by the bunker.

“He was great … that’s what he’s capable of,” said Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon, who revealed post-match that Kennedy had battled a serious infection last week and spent time in hospital either side of their Round 5 clash.

Sam Stonestreet also shone for the Sharks, scoring two first-half tries and racking up 182 metres in a breakout performance on the wing. His partnership with Braydon Trindall — who laid on both tries — gave the Sharks a vital edge in an otherwise flat opening half.

Manly got back into the contest with tries to Clayton Faulalo and Luke Brooks, the latter racing 80 metres after picking off a wayward pass. But key defensive lapses and a costly bomb error from Lehi Hopoate opened the door for Cronulla to extend their lead through Mawene Hiroti and Tom Hazelton.

A late intercept from Tommy Talau gave Cherry-Evans a path to score in the final minute, but the Sea Eagles couldn’t manufacture a miracle finish, with the Sharks winning as the $1.48 favourites with the top NRL bookmakers.

The Sea Eagles now have a short turnaround before facing the Dragons at 4 Pines Park on Thursday, with Anthony Seibold confirming that Haumole Olakau’atu suffered only a corked shoulder despite a heavy knock.

Fitzgibbon said Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake was also nursing a minor groin issue after limping off late, but didn’t expect it to be significant.

Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles final score

Cronulla Sharks 24
Manly Sea Eagles 18

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