The Cronulla Sharks showcased their dominance in the first three rounds of the 2025 NRL season, highlighting their promising potential as they clinched a 27-12 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Shark Park on March 22, 2025.
The Sharks began their campaign with an impressive performance, setting the tone with a powerful first half in which they secured a comfortable lead. However, things took a turn in the second half. Despite the win, Sharks player Nicho Hynes acknowledged their lackluster performance after halftime. “It’s a game of two halves. The first half was awesome we stuck to our plans and executed it, but far out I’m very disappointed with that second half,” Hynes expressed during his post-match interview with Fox Sports. “I don’t think Fitzy (coach Craig Fitzgibbon) is going to be too happy with us.”
Hynes and his teammates kicked off the first half in a flurry, with two quick tries that set the crowd alight. The opening minutes saw Hynes himself score, swiftly followed by a try from Briton Nikora. But the standout moment of the match was a breathtaking 110-meter team effort that culminated in a try by Kayal Iro, amplifying the excitement at Shark Park. This outstanding play received praise from commentators, with one exclaiming, “You won’t see a better try than that.” Within minutes, Will Kennedy added to their tally to wrap the first half at 20-0 in favor of the Sharks.
The second half began with Braydon Trindall scoring another try, but as the match progressed, the Sharks faltered, allowing the Rabbitohs to respond with two consolation tries. Hynes, despite the win, did not dismiss the team’s need for improvement: “If you want to be a top team in this competition, you’ve gotta do that for the whole 80. But at the end of the day, a win’s a win.”
Adding to the Sharks' concerns was an injury to Braden Hamlin-Uele, who was forced off the field with a knee injury. Hynes confirmed that Hamlin-Uele would undergo scans that night to assess the damage, worrying supporters who recall his struggles with injuries throughout the previous season.
The Sharks, now sitting at 2-1 after three rounds, will face the Bulldogs next weekend as they aim to maintain their momentum. Their solid start this season is bolstered by the addition of Addin Fonua-Blake, who is seen as a pivotal player in driving the Sharks towards potential premiership contention, as they have long struggled to convert regular season success into finals glory.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs, in stark contrast, find themselves reeling after a tough loss. These are trying times for South Sydney as they look to rebound from last season’s disappointments— which saw them muddled near the bottom of the ladder. Wayne Bennett has returned as the coach, and the team is brimming with changes as they bid to revitalize their campaign. However, the absence of key players like Cameron Murray and Latrell Mitchell has posed significant challenges. Bennett noted, “To our credit, these guys kept hanging in there and fighting, but there were a few opportunities and we didn’t grab them.”
The Rabbitohs had opened their season with two wins but failed to find their footing against a confident Sharks side. Hynes’s comments reveal insights into what it takes to progress, noting the necessity for sustained performance throughout the match—a sentiment all too fitting for the Rabbitohs’ struggles in this matchup.
As the NRL season unfolds, the Sharks' combination of youthful exuberance, skill, and determination suggests they might be on a trajectory to challenge the top teams— if they can maintain consistency throughout. Not to be overlooked, the Rabbitohs must regroup and refocus as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Panthers, determined to turn their disappointing start around.
In the rounds ahead, both teams will look to refine their strategies, as the Sharks anticipate a significant rivalry matchup against the Bulldogs, and the Rabbitohs dig deep to address their inconsistencies ahead of facing the defending champions.
