The nervy Sharks 44-24 victory over the last-placed Bulldogs came at a cost to the black, white and blues, with Warriors bound half Shaun Johnson leaving the field injured. Still, a favourable run home presents a great opportunity for them to embed themselves in the finals countdown.
With six rounds remaining and the good draw, the Sharks' now sit in seventh place and this weeks game against sixth-placed nemesis side Manly will show how they sit in their planned run up the NRL ladder.
It had been a good news week for Cronulla before Johnson hobbled off, with the signing of Dale Finucane, the NSW Origin and Melbourne Storm star, is set to join the Cronulla club in 2022 on a four year, long term deal.
Several clubs were chasing Finucane. His signing adds quality, experience and depth to the Sharks playing roster in 2022.
Sharks General Manager of Football Darren Mooney said a number of factors influenced Finucane's decision.
"Dale has a great relationship and respect for Craig Fitzgibbon," Mooney said
"He is also someone who can help mentor our young team while setting standards and enhancing the culture we are looking to build.
"Dale was also impressed with the future vision, where the Board and senior management is taking the club and is excited to be a part of that future," Mooney added.
In a career with six Grand Final appearances, Finucane has played 208 NRL games since making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2012.
A Co-Captain at Melbourne this season, Finucane has played 142 NRL matches at the Storm, including four Grand Finals, winning two Premierships.
The Fitzgibbon effect has also led to Sharks five-eighth Matt Moylan agreeing to terms on a contract extension that will see him remain at the Cronulla club for the 2022 season.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to stay for another year," Moylan said.
"I've had a few chats to Fitzy and I look forward to working with him, Josh and the coaching staff next year. I'm confident they can make me a better player on the field and help with my development off it as well.
"Until then, I'm working hard to get back on the field next week and to finish the season off strongly,"
The re-signing adds depth to the Sharks halves, with Moylan, Storm recruit Nicho Hynes, youngster Braydon Trindall and the versatile Connor Tracey to be amongst those vying for the six and seven jerseys next year.
Johnson's injury comes as Moylan is set to return, and a win this week would really see the Sharks current season get back on track and not just having fans looking forward to next year.