The Canberra Raiders became the first minor premiers eliminated in straight sets since 2009.
The Canberra Raiders have created unwanted history, becoming the first minor premiers to be knocked out of the finals in straight sets since 2009.
An exceptional regular season wasn't enough for the Raiders come the start of September, with Ricky Stuart's side losing a 94-minute epic against the Brisbane Broncos last weekend, before following it up with a disappointing performance against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday evening in the nation's capital.
A nervous opening from both teams meant it wasn't until well into the first half when the opening try was scored, with Corey Horsburgh the surprise to get on the scoreboard first.
Just like against the Roosters in last weekend's elmination final, it took the Sharks, who had no ball or territory during the opening 40 minutes, more than half an hour to crack the scoreboard.