Sebastian Kris is unlikely to feature in the Raiders’ finals campaign after he was sent off for a dangerous throw on Sione Katoa.
The winger’s act cost the Raiders dearly with the Sharks only leading 10-6 with 20 minutes remaining. Cronulla went on to win 24-6.
Kris made the tackle after Katoa leaped high to take a catch in the air when contesting with Jack Wighton.
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NRL great Andrew Johns described the tackle as “awful”.
”It’s just that adrenaline, he got in there with that adrenaline, picked him up, and unfortunately (spear tackled him) … that’s dangerous, that was awful,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
Speaking post-game, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wasn’t willing to comment much on the send off.
“I didn’t make anything of it, I haven’t seen it again,” he said.
Captain Elliott Whitehead said it “probably warrants a send off in hindsight”.
The Raiders started the game well when Jordan Rapana leaped over Connor Tracey to score the opening try.
Hynes puts Williams through
Cronulla then hit back through Jesse Ramien in the 15th minute, but a missed kick from Braydon Trindall gave the Raiders a lead at half-time.
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After an arm wrestle in the first 10 minutes, the Sharks switched on with Jack Williams scoring first following the break.
Kris’ send off helped Cronulla put their stamp on the game with Trindall, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Katoa also going over to seal a 24-6 victory.
The win means the Sharks finish sixth and will play the Roosters on Saturday at Shark Park. Canberra is eighth and will have the tough task of travelling to Newcastle on Sundayfor their do-or-die clash.