The Sharks’ bizarre NRL season continues, Broncos latest victims

The Cronulla Sharks defeated the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday evening in Brisbane, writing another chapter of their bizarre season so far in the 2024 NRL Premiership.

Cronulla were underdogs at the bookies heading to Suncorp, having lost to the lowly Eels last week. However, the side put together an impressive second half performance to overcome a 12-4 deficit and win 22-12.

In the space of nine minutes, the Sharks racked up three tries, dramatically swinging the momentum—and scoreboard—of the NRL Round 14 clash.
Broncos play worst half of the season

After the loss, Broncos coach Kevin Walters labelled his side’s second half performance as “probably our worst half of football [this season]”.

While the second half try-scoring spree was in large part sparked by an inspired effort from Royce Hunt off the bench, Brisbane did themselves no favours. The home side made nine of their 11 errors after the break, notching just 34% possession and 26% territory across the half.

“I’m not sure where it came from,” Walters continued. “[I’m] not sure what happened.”

What happened was two minutes into the second half, Sione Katoa crossed for a try with Ezra Mam on his back. This was quickly followed by four-pointers to Braydon Trindall and Blayke Brailey as well, before some astute defence saw a fourth quarter stalemate unfold.

In a bizarre twist, the win means Cronulla go back on top of the NRL ladder—just weeks after losing 42-0 to the Panthers.

Sharks unpredictable in 2024

If you’re a betting man, then the Sharks are a team that offer plenty of opportunity.

NRL bookmakers have consistently struggled to nail to odds on Cronulla this year, giving plenty of opportunity for healthy returns when the club puts together a performance.

For example, they were not picked to do well against the Broncos. The visitors had been thrashed by Penrith a fortnight ago, and most recently, gone down to a woeful Eels outfit 34-22.

Look before that though, and the Sharks claimed impressive wins over the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters, two top four contenders.

Fancy a bet on the Sharks? You could be in for a big pay day, if you pick the week where they show up.

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