AMAZING what a game on a Sunday does ...

The sun shone, it wasn't cold, and more than 14,000 mainly Sharks fans - the most for a home game this season turned up to cheer their side on against the New Zealand Warriors.

The Sharks played well to record their second straight win, the third of the season.

And the 18-10 victory saw them jump from the bottom of the NRL table, leap-frogging the Roosters.

No wonder the Sharks players are happy about their next game, against Canberra Raiders, again scheduled on Sunday at 2pm.

A half-time first

THE Sharks led at the break (18-4) for the first time this season, courtesy of a five-star performance from kickers, captain Trent Barrett and half Scott Porter, with the breeze.

The Sharks' defensive qualities were called upon against the wind in the second half.

And with players like centre Reece Williams and forwards Kade Snowden, Luke Douglas and young Johnny Mannah leading the way, they forced the Warriors into error after error.

Shades of Sharks of old.

Young guns

COACH Ricky Stuart was elated with his side's victory, especially captain Trent Barrett's leadership with so many young players around him.

"I think we are a little bit too quick to judge younger players these days, so to see all the young boys step up and handle the challenge is enjoyable,'' he said.

Fullback Nathan Stapleton, a try scorer on debut, winger Blake Ferguson, centre Matt Wright and prop Johnny Mannah are all eligible for the under 20s and keep improving every week.

"They all add a lot of spark into this football side, which we haven't had for a long time and the experience they gain from playing in these games will only develop their games further,'' Stuart added.

Bands help coffers

THE Sharks bar attendants were kept busy on Sunday afternoon and late into the night, as Sharks' fianncial worries were cast aside.

The long weekend game was backed by fans at the Toyota Stadium game and then thronging to hear not one, but two bands inside and outside the leagues club.

On the job

NEW Cronulla Sharks board appointees, deputy chairman Damien Irvine, Paul Walker and Ricky Surace, were conspicuous at the game on Sunday.

They mixed with the crowd and sought opinions, encouraging members to attend tonight's Tuesday forum, while busying themselves with the workings of Toyota Stadium on game day.

Overly-excited

NEW half Scott Porter had reason to be excited about his partnership with Trent Barrett, in his second NRL game.

So excited he dropped the "f'' word a few times when interviewed on air afterwards.

It got a laugh, no one appeared to care, but to his credit he apologised for the slip of the tongue.