Valentine's day as Sharks see off Canberra

Valentine Holmes' golden point field goal gave Cronulla Sharks a spot in the top eight as they beat Canberra Raiders 21-20 at GIO Stadium.

The Sharks were frustrated after having a try disallowed with just 45 seconds of regular time left on the clock.

Andrew Fifita looked to have planted the ball, but it was disallowed by the video referee and the visitors had to settle for a Michael Gordon penalty to take the game into extra-time.

Holmes won the game for the Sharks to secure a fifth win in six matches, taking them above the Dragons into eighth spot - the first time all season they have been in the finals places.

Cronulla are 34.00 to win the grand final.

The Raiders, who have now lost three of their last four, looked capable of taking the points thanks to a late rally.

Edrick Lee crossed for his second try of the game with 16 minutes left, with Jarrod Croker adding the extras. Croker landed a penalty goal soon afterwards, and then kicked another to give his side a two-point advantage after the Sharks were penalised for stripping the ball.

As far as Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan was concerned, though, justice was done in the end.

Speaking about Fifita's disallowed effort, he said: "Both on-field referees ruled it a try, and the way I read it is they've got to have conclusive evidence that it's not a try.

"From my position ... I couldn't see any conclusive evidence to change that decision."

Flanagan added: "We had to win it three times, to tell you the truth. The way the players held themselves together after some interesting calls, especially the last one there, they could've dropped their bundle - but they just hung in there and had that belief."

The Sharks are 3.00 to win their next game against the Bulldogs, who are 1.40.