Warriors v Sharks player ratings: Match to forget as Cronulla claim big win
The Warriors celebrate a try against the Sharks. Photo / Photosport
Ben Francis rates the Warriors’ performance in a 36-22 loss to the Cronulla Sharks.
1. Taine Tuaupiki – 5
Fantastic read at fullback to deny Sam Stonestreet a certain try in the first half among a couple of highlights on defence. Had some bright moments but overall will be disappointed.
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak – 7
One of his better matches in recent memory. His hat-trick saw him surpass Simon Mannering to sit fourth on the Warriors’ all-time try-scoring list. The first try was stunning, and his second was a match-saver. Only negative was a couple of errors.
3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad –2
A match he would want to forget in a hurry. Was caught out multiple times on defence and had some errors that killed momentum when the Warriors looked like getting back into the match. Was unable to finish the match after picking up a neck injury. Safe to say the experiment of playing in the centres hasn’t been sucessful.
4. Adam Pompey – 3
Another quiet match on his part, but difficult when the ball doesn’t come your way.
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – 3
Didn’t get much ball down his wing, so often had to come in to find the ball. Had three errors and missed three tackles while only completing two.
6. Luke Metcalf – 4
Looked more comfortable in his second match back from an ACL injury. Ran the ball more which was good to see, but still a long way off being the player he was last year. Appeared to suffer a hamstring injury at the end of the match.
7. Tanah Boyd – 5
After his blistering start to the season, has struggled to keep that form up, since Metcalf returned to the side. His effort and energy can’t be questioned though. Did the majority of the kicking again. Will likely have a new halves partner again next against the Storm.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 5
Finished the game strong with some powerful carries and bruising hits but overall didn’t provide the captain’s knock as seen earlier in the season.
9. Wayde Egan – 6
Had a team-high 39 tackles. Took his chances to run from the ruck more but probably overplayed his hand at times.
10. Jackson Ford – 7
His work ethic is exceptional with 143m off 18 carries and 35 tackles. The only concern is the amount of miles in his legs so early in the season as he played the entire match.
11. Leka Halasima – 6
Continues to learn how to deal with role of being in the starting side. The Sharks did a great job limiting his explosive impact but still found ways to keep busy.
12. Jacob Laban – 3
Another player who will be disappointed with his showing. Had limited chances to get in the match.
13. Erin Clark – 6
One of the better players in the match for the Warriors, but like some of his teammates, tried too much which led to some errors. Was awarded a penalty try late in the game, but it was in vain.
Interchange:
14. Sam Healey – 4
Was on the field for a matter of minutes before being forced off with a head injury assessment. Did get the chance to return for the final moments of the match, where he looked to make his mark.
15. Marata Niukore - 2
In 52 minutes on the field, three runs and eight missed tackles isn’t good enough.
16. Demitric Vaimauga - 4
Not his best cameo off the bench where he usually provides an enforcer-like role.
17. Tanner Stowers-Smith – 6
Was impressive off the bench again where he finished with 143m and 21 tackles, although had four misses. One aspect that is really impressive is his leg speed.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.