NSW Origin playmaker Corban Baxter and Sydney Roosters team-mate Brydie Parker are awaiting the results of scans after being injured in Sunday’s NRLW trial against the Sharks.
Baxter, the Roosters captain, was carried from PointsBet Stadium in the first half with a knee injury, while Parker suffered a suspected shoulder injury and also had to be assisted from the field.
Cronulla were slick in attack, scoring three tries for a 12-0 halftime lead before resting some of their big guns including Emma Tonegato and Quincy Dodd.
The Roosters roared to life after the break as new recruit Taina Naividi bagged a quickfire double.
The game was played in quarters with no conversion attempts.
Cronulla began energetically, making a statement in the opening set when Dodd took off from dummy-half and gobbled up metres through the middle.
The Sharks drew first blood through Georgia Ravics and extended their lead when second-rower Talei Holmes proved too hard to stop at close range after charging onto a neat short ball from five-eighth Tonegato.
Brute strength from Ellie Johnston put Cronulla further ahead, the prop skittling defenders and muscling her way to the line in the 22nd minute.
The Tricolours mounted a comeback in the third quarter, enjoying success on their left edge as winger Naividi touched down twice in quick succession.
Staples steadied the ship for Cronulla, scooping up a loose ball to add more points after utility playmaker Georgia Hannaway forced an error with a bomb.
Going tit for tat, the Roosters reduced the margin once more when halfback Jocelyn Kelleher danced through the defence. Cronulla quickly reclaimed the momentum, however, with Taylor setting up a try for captain Tiana Penitani.
Centre Jessica Sergis returned fire for the visitors, keeping the Roosters firmly in the contest heading into the final 10 minutes. Wood’s last-gasp effort in the right corner meant the teams walked off having each scored five tries.
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