Ricky Leutele gave Cronulla a thrilling 18-14 NRL victory over the Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium.
The talented centre gave the Sharks their first lead 10 minutes from fulltime as the Warriors, without chief playmaker Shaun Johnson, lacked the execution needed to maintain their lead when momentum swung late.
Tries to Konrad Hurrell and Simon Mannering gave the Warriors a 10-0 halftime lead, which quickly evaporated due to a stunning second-half double by star Sharks winger Valentine Holmes.
Locked at 12-12 just 14 minutes from fulltime, the home side regained the lead through a Tuimoala Lolohea penalty, only for Leutele to crash over in the left corner moments later.
One final chance presented itself for the Warriors with just seconds left on the clock but captain Mannering was ruled to have knocked on before Lolohea picked up the loose ball to dive over the line.
The Sharks, missing stood down prop Andrew Fifita, toiled in the middle but it was an uphill battle early as the likes of Ben Matulino, Jacob Lillyman and Albert Vete asserted their dominance.
The one-way traffic continued for most of the first half but Warriors coach Andrew McFadden would have hoped for more than just four points on the board after 37 minutes, having enjoyed 70 per cent of possession.
Chad Townsend showed the skills he will bring back to the Sharks in 2016, kicking high to set up the opening try to Hurrell, who cleaned up after winger Manu Vatuvei batted the ball back.
The Sharks’ defence held firm as halfback Jeff Robson cut down every charging run sent his way, with the Warriors looking to use Matulino in his new second-row position on the right edge.
Penalties hampered the flow for both sides but field position proved key as the Warriors eventually extended their lead three minutes from halftime as Mannering grounded a Siliva Havili grubber for his first try of the season.
After the break, the Sharks hit back almost immediately as Sam Tagatese brushed aside Raymond Faitala-Mariner to set up Holmes in the right corner.
The winger then doubled his tally when put into space by a deft Gerard Beale offload. Streaking down the right flank, Holmes chipped over Sam Tomkins then regathered to score to level the scores a 12-12.
The Sharks looked to have taken their first lead of the game in the 58th minute when Tagatese barged over, only for replays to reveal obstruction during the build-up.
Lolohea calmly regained the lead with his his second penalty goal but it was shortlived as Leutele beat Solomone Kata to score.
On a perfect day with the boot, Michael Gordon added the extras with a clutch sideline conversion to see the Sharks home by four.
Tiger
Guest
It's no coincidence that this new toughness and will to win has come about with the arrival of Ennis in the Shire..he's brought his winning belief,resilience and leadership to Cronulla.. You can see the effect he has on a team by watching the Bulldogs this year without him..they are a shadow of what they were with him.. He's influence on that team was especially noted in their run through the semi finals last year..who knows if he played in the GF there might've been a different result.. Ennis is having a great season and it's a credit to Flanagan to let him loose on the attacking front..the Sharkies have benefitted greatly from this with Ennis registering numerous try assists.. Sharkies got a good buy..and Hasler knows it..he was very subdued in the press conference after the recent match at Belmore when asked about his former captain's form..he's well aware he let him go to early AND should've let Mighty Mick play a lot more of what was in front him rather then strictly follow the game plan..
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Shame the game is hidden in the dreaded 530 sat fox spot
Renegade
Roar Guru
That was as gutsy a win I've seen.. The sharkies are such a resilient side and play with plenty of heart. Flanagan has instilled the right attitude in the team where they simply never give up because they believe in themselves. I said yesterday in the blog that they are a very honest side in that they know their strengths and weaknesses and are smart enough to play a style that suits. I still think they probably don't have enough points to go all the way but with maloney and Townsend on the way - I think they'll be one of the premiership favourites next year.... That said I think they are a genuine top 4 chance this season. They have the best record of any side in the competition against the current top 4 and I think they can worry any side with their in your face style of play - specially when they lift in intensity. They are up against the best team in the comp next week in the Cowboys - this will be the litmus test, they'll miss lewis and Fifita but even without the pair they are bound to make a contest out of it... if they can beat the Cowboys again, it will be more than just a statement on their 2015 credentials.
jamesb
Guest
I think Chad Townsend played the role of the double agent. Didn't have much impact so that it allows his future club a chance in the top eight. Well played Chad. Great plan.
The eye
Guest
Bit harsh blaming a winger and a centre for the loss..even at 10-0 down don't think there were many worried sharpies fans at 1/2 time..without Johnson there were no dangers
cedric
Guest
yeah, would have thought Wright was the best choice and to be playing against his old team who didn't want him. I'm not sure about Kata on defence, why did he stay in field so much, is he too scared to call his team mates to come out wider and mark up, or is that the team plan. Warriors showed alot of attack in the 1st 40, pity they couldn't keep it up, but the Sharks are continual 2nd half grinders. And Valentine Holmes, he's another Sheck!
Buzzard
Guest
Kata is hopeless. Ken Maumalo is rubbish.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Who were the kind considerate gents who suggested ,sacking Flanno,relocating the Sharks.They offer nothing.Excuse me whilst I bask in the sunshine of 5th spot. 4 out of the next 5 games at home.Two more wins and we get there. Gulp!! the Cows next weekend.
Sylvester
Guest
And I'd put Townsend on the plane back to Sydney with the Sharks.
Sylvester
Guest
Warriors need to ditch Kata. Defence not first grade level.
BluesMan
Guest
Man it's F#%ken hard to support you Warriors.
up up cronulla
Guest
Wooooooooohhhhhhhh