SF
Mako Shark
From The Australian:
- In a match probably unequalled for savagery, the lighter Cronulla forwards scored a narrow points decision in the physical battle. But the Sharks had no answer for the wizardry of Bob Fulton, who scored both Manly's tries.
- The traditional early latitude became open slather. It was miraculous no player received a serious injury.
- A newcomer to league matches could have been excused for thinking punching, kneeing, kicking and tackling the man without the ball were all legal.
- By far the best for Cronulla was second-rower John Maguire. He had good support in Cliff Watson and Ron Turner, while in the backs, Eric Archer had a strong defensive match.
- Teenage fullback Rick Bourke, who had played only one-and-a-half first grade matches before the Grand Final, played well after replacing Warren Fisher at half-time. He scored his team's only try after taking a good pass from lock Greg Pierce, who gave typical wholehearted service.
- "We showed all those people who said Manly would be too tough for us in the forwards" - Cronulla secretary Arthur Winn.