The nib Newcastle Knights NRL side have had their first trial match off the season with the result finishing 28-16 in favour of the Sharks.
Regular first-graders Jayden Brailey, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti and Kurt Mann had their first hit-outs while supporters saw new recruits Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble and Greg Marzhew run out in the red and blue for the first time.
In hot, summer conditions at Industree Group Stadium, Central Coast, plenty of youngsters were given an opportunity while the team ran in three tries.
Cronulla hit the lead early in the contest with a left-side raid producing a try to Thomas Rodwell on the fourth minute mark.
The Knights quickly responded with new recruit Tyson Gamble getting his first try in Knights colours.
Also playing his first game in the red and blue, Jackson Hastings found a hard-running Lachlan Fitzgibbon and the forward offloaded to Gamble for our first of the trial.
Gamble hits right back
Newcastle looked to have had a second eight minutes later with Bailey Hodgson producing brilliant footwork to set up Dylan Lucas, however the try was overruled for obstruction.
In hot conditions in the opening trial, the Knights were enjoying their share of possession while made 14 tackle breaks to the Sharks six in the first half an hour.
Just on the stroke of half-time, the Sharks would strike for their second of the match through Mawene Hiroti before forward Thomas Hazelton extended Cronulla's lead with the final play of the game, going over under the sticks.
The Sharks would take a 12-point lead into the change of ends.
Coming off strong seasons in the pathways system, youngsters David Armstrong, Tom Cant, Oryn Keeley and Luke Pietzner were given their chance in the NRL trial.
The Sharks were first to score after the break pushing out to an 18-point lead on the 49th minute mark.
A couple of errors crept into the game with the two sides battling it out.
The Knights would post a second and third try before full-time with some enterprising play in the final stages.
Clune and Crossland combine
A beautiful short ball from Adam Clune saw Ben Talty streak into the back field and find Phoenix Crossland on the inside.
With the final play of the game, a well weighted kick from Clune found young Luke Pietzner on the wing.
Youngster Pietzner scores
The Sharks would score a late consolation try.
The side will be back on the Central Coast next Friday night taking on the Parramatta Eels in their second and final game of the Pre-Season Challenge.
