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Unbeaten Bulldogs go top of the league ladder after demolishing Cronulla

Adrian Proszenko and Tom Decent
Updated ,first published
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Match report: Bulldogs keep unbeaten run intact with impressive 20-6 win over Sharks

By Adrian Proszenko

Bronson Xerri, wearing opposition colours, returned to Shark Park for the first time since 2019. The two tries he scored helped propel Canterbury to the top of the ladder, as the NRL’s only undefeated team.

It’s a victory Cameron Ciraldo’s men achieved without Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau, at a ground they last won at way back in 2011.

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Given this occurred on a weekend when the Panthers, Storm and Roosters all lost – that hasn’t happened since April of 2017 – perhaps this year’s premiership is more open than first thought. Xerri’s big night could have been even bigger still. It appeared the former Shark had a try assist to go with the two he scored, only for the bunker to intervene.

“I thought he was awesome,” Ciraldo said of Xerri.

Mahoney responds to being put on report twice

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Asked if he overstepped the mark, Mahoney said on Fox: “If someone’s just laying on the ground I’m not just going to lay on him. It’s a tough sport mate and if you’re going to carry on like that … it’s just playing footy. It’s Bulldog footy. We’re tough. It’s just what we do.

“We knew it was going to be a dog fight. That first 40 minutes was semi-final footy. We just kept turning up. So proud of the boys to start the season 4-0.”

Reed Mahoney and Jack Todd of the Bulldogs celebrate at full-time. Getty Images

How the stats looked at full-time

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Full-time: Xerri double propels Bulldogs to 20-6 victory over Sharks

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Believe the hype. The Bulldogs are premiership contenders.

Canterbury have continued their excellent start to the season with a 20-6 win over the Sharks in a match where Bronson Xerri scored two tries against his former club.

Cronulla No.7 Nicho Hynes could barely get into the game as Sharks centre Kayal Iro came off early with a hamstring injury.

There could be dramas for the Bulldogs though, with hooker Reed Mahoney put on report twice.

The Bulldogs remain at the top of the NRL ladder with four wins from as many starts. It’s been nine years since they’ve been there at any point in a season.

This was their first win in the Shire in 14 years. And they did it without Kikau and Burton. A big win that could certainly galvanise the group heading into matches against the Knights and Souths either side of a bye.

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Cronulla will need a miracle

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The home side is going to need two tries plus some to have any chance of stealing victory from the jaws of defeat.

The Bulldogs have been clinical and are on the cusp of four straight wins for the first time to start a season in 32 years. Their 90 per cent completion rate tonight is top shelf. Ciraldo doing a fine job.

Sharks 6-20 Bulldogs after 74 minutes

Epic try from Xerri extends Bulldogs’ lead

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What about the leg drive!

Bronson Xerri is a man on a mission as he ploughs into the Sharks’ defensive line and somehow finds his way over the line. Bags a double against his former club. Brute strength there.

And a little index finger to the lips to shush the locals.

It could be goodnight for the Sharks.

Sharks 6-20 Bulldogs after 64 minutes

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Can Cronulla land a blow in the final 20 minutes?

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Mahoney on report again

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There is a bit of a melee on the ground, started by a late shot from Reed Mahoney on Daniel Atkinson​.

It’s only a penalty but that could cause a headache for Canterbury at the judiciary early next week.

The Dogs need to keep their cool but tension is simmering at the moment. Both sides want this win badly.

Sharks 6-14 Bulldogs after 55 minutes

Crichton extends Canterbury’s lead

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They’re in again.

Mahoney looks left but goes right. The ball ends up in Crichton’s hands and he does the rest. Sharp stuff.

Fortunately for the Dogs, Crichton’s conversion is over. That’ll get his confidence up.

What do the Sharks have here? They’re down by more than a converted try, so will need to conjure a response.

Sharks 6-14 Bulldogs after 47 minutes

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Iro to take no further part in the match

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According to Fox Sports’ James Hooper, Sharks centre Kayal Iro has injured his hamstring and won’t feature for the rest of the match.

The Sharks are down to 15 men, with Siosifa Talakai​ failing his HIA.

Sharks 6-8 Bulldogs after 45 minutes

Kurt Mann of the Bulldogs. Getty Images
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