Crisis? What crisis?
Cronulla produced arguably their best performance of the season to down South Sydney 39-24 on Saturday night - and get their season back on track.
The Sharks climbed into the top eight to seventh on for and against thanks to the 15-point upset victory over the Rabbitohs at PointsBet Stadium.
A number of results went their way earlier in round 20 with Brisbane, Newcastle and Penrith all suffering defeats to propel Cronulla back into the finals places.
Sharks coach John Morris would have been delighted with his side's performance. It was an effort Cronulla's fans had waited to see all season. And this was Cronulla at their best. Committed and aggressive in defence, slick and ruthless in attack.
The Sharks were deserved winners, looking a class above the high-flying Rabbitohs. While Souths are likely to finish in the top four, Cronulla sounded a warning to the rest of the competition that they are still very much capable of knocking off anyone on their day.
The Sharks welcomed back Wade Graham from his hamstring injury and he put in a vintage performance. Andrew Fifita also returned from suspension while Matt Moylan was also back from his own hamstring problem.
And Cronulla at full strength are a different proposition.
A Shaun Johnson penalty goal gave Cronulla the lead before young winger Ronaldo Mulitalo's try extended it with a quality finish. Josh Dugan then crossed midway through the first half from a short Graham pass to have Cronulla out to a 14-0 advantage.
The Rabbitohs hit back with two tries in as many minutes with Dane Gagai and Cameron Murray scoring.
But Cronulla weren't done for the half, with young centre Bronson Xerri benefiting from a Graham short side raid before Morris finished off the try of the match after an outstanding run and kick from Jayden Brailey.
The Sharks led 24-12 at half-time before a second Johnson penalty goal early in the second half left Souths needing to score three times.
Xerri's second try after another slick shift to the left featuring Graham all but sealed the result before Cody Walker hit back for the visitors.
Briton Nikora slid over from a crisp short pass from Johnson before Campbell Graham notched a late consolation for Souths.
Chad Townsend then put the icing on the cake with a field goal right on the full-time siren.
Cronulla will have no time to rest, with another massive clash against the Panthers at Penrith next week which could have huge ramifications for the final make up of the top eight.
Leader Scoreboard
Cronulla Sharks 39 (Bronson Xerri two, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Josh Dugan, Josh Morris, Briton Nikora tries. Shaun Johnson seven goals. Chad Townsend field goal)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 (Dane Gagai, Cameron Murray, Cody Walker, Campbell Graham tries. Adam Reynolds four goals)
at PointsBet Stadium, Woolooware
Leader man of the match: Wade Graham (Sharks)
Sharks' next three: Panthers (away), Dragons (home), Warriors (home)
