LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
In a challenging match at AAMI Park on Sunday, the Sharks fell to the Storm with a final score of 30-6.
Despite the scoreline, the game was tightly contested; Cronulla trailed just 10-6 at half-time and remained in striking distance until the 64th minute.
Melbourne's Eli Katoa emerged as the standout player, scoring the opening try in the fifth minute and contributing significantly to two second-half tries through skillful plays.
The Sharks managed their sole try just before half-time when five-eighth Braydon Trindall capitalized on a kick from Nicho Hynes.
With the loss, Cronulla will head into a bye week sitting in 10th place but tied on competition points with the 8th-placed Dolphins, setting the stage for a crucial Round 19 match against Redcliffe.
The Storm's strong start was marked by a precise short ball from Jahrome Hughes that set up Katoa's opening try, converted by Ryan Papenhuyzen for an early 6-0 advantage.