Cronulla sent premiership hero Andrew Fifita off with a 16-0 defeat of the Bulldogs that kept alive hopes that he may not have played his last game at PointsBet Stadium after securing a top four berth.
While the lacklustre performance wouldn't have pleased coach Craig Fitzgibbon, the win ensured the Sharks a second chance in the finals and the possibility of a home final in the opening weekend if they finish second.