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Sharks get dirty in World Club Challenge defeat

A frustrated Cronulla resorted to some questionable tactics during their 22-6 loss to Wigan in the Club World Challenge final.

The Sharks couldn't repeat their NRL premiership success at a raucous DW Stadium, and the visitors let the frustration get the better of them throughout the match.

Wade Graham was in the thick of the action, earning the ire of the officias and opposition after a forearm to the head of a Wigan tackler in the first half.

Both teams poured in for a bit of push and shove after an incident where Sharks player Jayden Brailey pulled the hair of one of the Wigan interchange players.

Tempers reached boiling point in the second half and Graham was again at the centre of the drama.

There was bad blood between the teams throughout the match. Pic: Getty
There was bad blood between the teams throughout the match. Pic: Getty

The Sharks big man tried to put a massive hit on Wigan inside their own 20-metre line but was penalised for a high tackle.

The Wigan players had clearly had enough and it sparked an all-in melee with just about every player involved from both sides.

At one point, Sharks prop Andrew Fifita appeared to throw a punch at one of the Wigan players before the referees finally managed to calm things down.

Wigan's victory, 24 hours after Brisbane lost to Warrington, also ensured a clean sweep for the Super League over the NRL for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2015.