Cronulla are circling the NRL’s top four after scoring their fifth win in a row, downing Canterbury 22-16 on Sunday.
The Sharks welcomed back captain Paul Gallen and star fullback Josh Dugan from injury, while Jayson Bukuya was a late inclusion after overcoming a virus.
More than 14,000 fans packed into Shark Park on a glorious autumn afternoon as Cronulla ran out six-point winners to jump up to fifth place on the table.
“We were probably our own worst enemy on a few of occasions but they’re a tough footy side. They’re going through a tough patch at the moment but they’ve got some good players in their team and made us work for it,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.
“[It’s a fair effort] especially on the back of who has been out the last six weeks. Our whole back row, our most experienced players. Gal, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Duges, that’s a fair effort and they’re starting to come back at the moment.
“But it gives me real confidence where we’re at as a club. The younger players are getting the opportunity. Blokes like Gal know these younger blokes are coming to get them and they’ve got to play good as well.”
Cronulla head to Newcastle on Sunday to face the Knights.
