Match Summary

Brisbane's hopes of defending their NRL premiership took yet another blow when they lost the first qualifying final against the Sharks at Toyota Park. Despite a gallant, gutsy display, the Broncos simply didn't have the class or execution to beat a well drilled, confident outfit that has lost just two games in the past three months.

After being within a converted try at half time, the Broncos threw everything at the Sharks' defence but they just would not crack. Paul Mellor put the nail in the coffin with a try in the 70th minute and he backed it up just four minutes later to seal a 22-6 victory. Brisbane now have an anxious wait to ensure that two of the Dragons, Roosters and Warriors get beaten to progress to the second week of the finals.

Cronulla 22 defeated Brisbane 6 at Toyota Park, Sydney