While Sunday started with plenty of promise, day two of the Auckland Nines ended in disappointment for Cronulla and St George Illawarra as they were eliminated from the tournament.
The Sharks and Dragons suffered defeats in their final matches in Pool Piha to see Canberra and the Gold Coast advance to the quarter-finals.
St George Illawarra were up first and needed to beat the Gold Coast and hope Cronulla could defeat Canberra to see them advance on for and against.
The Dragons started well with a try to Euan Aitken and were in the game despite trailing 8-4 at the break.
But a second half blitz from the Titans saw the Queensland club run out 24-12 winners.
Cronulla, who won their opening two pool matches on Saturday, looked on the way to advancing with a perfect record when Sam Tagataese crashed over for an early try against the Raiders.
But Canberra rallied to run out 18-6 winners to reach the quarter-finals on for and against at the expense of the Sharks.
St George Illawarra will turn their attention to the Charity Shield against South Sydney on Saturday night, while Cronulla host Manly in a trial at Shark Park on Sunday.
The Sharks NRL campaign starts on March 5 when they travel to Townsville to face the defending premiers North Queensland.
The Dragons begin with a trip to Melbourne for Monday Night Football on March 7.