Undermanned and overjoyed: Morris hails Sharks' courage

Sharks coach John Morris hailed the 36-26 comeback win over the Broncos as one of the most courageous he has been involved with at the club.

Morris, who played 105 games himself for Cronulla, was a happy man after the Sharks scored three tries in the last eight minutes to record their first win over Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium since 2014 with a depleted side.

"It was certainly one of the most courageous wins at our club that I have been a part of," Morris said.

"We came up here without Josh Dugan, Jesse Ramien, Chad Townsend, Matt Moylan and Andrew Fifita and lost young Jacko [Jackson Ferris] during the game so I thought it was a marvellous effort to come from behind.

"At 26-18 [behind] the boys didn’t lose faith, dug in and found a way to come home strong. That is a really crucial two points for us and I am really happy for them."

The Sharks gave prop Aaron Woods a memorable 200th NRL game celebration and the representative forward was lapping up the victory after the game.

"I have got so much respect for Woodsy,” Morris said.

"When I was a player at the Tigers he was a young guy coming through and he is so passionate about his footy and about our club.

"There were only three guys in that team who had played over 50 games – him, Shaun [Johnson] and Wade [Graham] – so they grabbed the team by the scruff of the neck and Woodsy led all that.

"I was really happy the boys dug in for him because I don’t think he’s had much luck in his milestone games."

The Sharks took some risks in the dying stages and were repaid handsomely for their willingness to attack.

Ronaldo Mulitalo’s kick in-field from the outside of his boot was pure skill and creativity and utility Connor Tracey had plenty of work to do to collect the ball and score.

"They know they have got my confidence to back themselves and play what they see," Morris said.

"You can’t be too structured in this game anymore and we play our best when we play off the cuff and eyes-up footy.

"I was really proud of Connor. He was on the bench this week and could have started him but went with young [debutant Braydon] Trindall, and when he came on with 20 minutes to go he added spark and his positional play was outstanding to score a crucial try."

Debutant Jackson Ferris scored a try, was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Herbie Farnworth and left the field late with a knee injury.

Morris said he wouldn’t know the extent of the injury due to scans but said he scored “a beautiful try” on half-time in a memorable start to his career.

The Sharks are now on the cusp of the top four, in fifth position on 14 points.

"I think we have been consistent all year to be honest. We were beaten convincingly by Penrith and lost early to the Tigers, Dragons [and Storm], but now we have won six out of our last seven,” he said.

"We have got players out and are nowhere near our best but are focusing on ourselves and our next job.

"That is the second time we have won three in a row and we didn’t manage more than two games in a row all of last year.

“We have injuries and players move on like Matt Prior, Josh Morris and Bronson Xerri but out of that adversity we’ve had the opportunity to bring these youngsters through.

“We have given out four debuts already this year so I am proud of the way the youngsters have come in and put their gloves up.”  

Morris is hopeful of having Ramien and Dugan back next week from hamstring injuries to face the Eels and said that Matt Moylan was also a chance to play.