NRL: Sharks stun Roosters

Cronulla's players celebrate after their stunning victory over the Roosters in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

Crisis-hit Cronulla have pulled off the boilover of the season, recovering from 24-0 down to defeat NRL premiers the Sydney Roosters 30-28 in a thriller at Allianz Stadium.

After registering a mighty comeback win from 22-0 down against the Broncos in Brisbane last Friday night, the Sharks ended one of the most tumultuous weeks in the club's history with another miracle victory on Saturday.

Coachless, sans State of Origin stars and sacked playmaker Todd Carney, the bottom-placed Sharks were written off by bookmakers as astonishing $15 no-hopers against the star-studded premiers on their home patch.

But the league's basket cases somehow delivered an incredible upset, with halfback Jeff Robson scoring the match-leveller three minutes from fulltime.

But even after fullback Michael Gordon coolly slotted the conversion, Sharks fans still had their hearts in their mouths with Roosters centre Mitch Aubusson diving over for what appeared to be his third try 11 seconds from the finish.

Referee Gavin Morris ruled no-try and, with TV replays proving inconclusive, video referees Steve Chiddy and Steve Folkes were unable to over-rule.

Filthy Roosters fans hurled abuse at referee Morris after the stunning conclusion.

Remarkably, the Sharks hurled themselves off the foot of the ladder just days after caretaker coach Peter Sharp jumped ship on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after the club tore up Carney's multi-million-dollar contract for his urinal antics.

Toyota Cup coach James Shepherd was asked to step up and take charge of the hapless Sharks, but was given little hope of conjuring a victory - and next to no chance after the Roosters piled on four converted tries in the opening half hour.

But on the back of a brilliant double from debutant winger Jacob Gagan, the Sharks somehow bettered their biggest-ever comeback against the Broncos eight days ago.

- AAP