High contact missed before Tom Dearden sin binned for professional foul as Sharks claim big win
Tom Dearden had every right to feel aggrieved after he was sin binned against the Sharks with blood streaming from his face during a massive loss.
The Cowboys half ran down a runaway Braydon Trindall with 21 minutes left, and committed a professional foul by holding on for too long.
But replays showed the cut on his face came after Trindall's shot on him earlier was high from a head clash.
READ MORE: Fittler's question mark over 'disgraceful' trainer incident
READ MORE: Legend's huge 'golden era' claim on Aussie swim stars
READ MORE: Manly coach fuels Turbo uncertainty after tough loss
Caller Brenton Speed said the sin bin was the right call before Brad Fittler argued the case for a similar punishment to Trindall.
"There's head contact from Trindall too ... he was just running the ball, he wasn't expecting to get a head clash," Brad Fittler said on Nine.
Braydon Trindall's hit left Tom Dearden cut open. Nine
It made for a nightmare milestone game for Dearden, bringing up his 100th match at the Cowboys.
Cronulla waged on a first-half onslaught at Shark Park, leading 26-0 at the break with Ronaldo Mulitalo scoring a double.
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Griffin Neame's try after the break put the Cowboys in the contest, but ultimately they never looked like challenging.
The Sharks went on to win 32-12 with Cam McInnes and Braidon Burns scoring the final tries for both teams.
Addin Fonua-Blake won the Paul Green medal for player of the match.
