Sharks 44
It seems the Warriors "curse" has struck again. The Auckland club often make a habit of meeting teams just when they are in red-hot form and the Sharks' ruthless demolition of Penrith yesterday will make next week's clash in Taupo tasty indeed.
After a few seasons languishing permanently near the bottom of the NRL ladder, the Sharks have rediscovered their bite in 2011.
Following on from their surprise defeat of St George last week, Cronulla oozed confidence from the outset, showing measured aggression in everything they did while Penrith were relatively rudderless.
Cronulla scored three converted tries in a nine-minute blitz midway through the first half to break the game open and never looked like being headed from there.
This was Penrith's second heavy home defeat of 2011 and there are big problems out near the foot of the Blue Mountains. Their attack, which still relies heavily on kicks, looks predictable, while their defence up the middle reminded why they used to be known as the "Chocolate Soldiers".
Petero Civoniceva was ponderous yesterday while new recruit Timana Tahu made little impact and so far it is hard to see what he will bring, apart from a big attitude.
The Sharks finished 14th in 2010, with just seven wins and 17 losses, while Penrith were the over-achievers in many eyes (15-9), only topped by the Dragons in the regular season.
But belief courses through the veins of this Sharks team, and rookie coach Shane Flanagan has recruited cleverly (Jeremy Smith's move across South Sydney suddenly seems a masterstroke) while also helping established players to regain their verve.
Anthony Tupou was outstanding yesterday and seems back in the form that won him 11 Kangaroo caps between 2006-08, Paul Gallen is relentless and Smith has added his own unique brand of starch and marked his 100th NRL game with a strong try.
After years of playing under the angriest man in league, Ricky Stuart, the Sharks look relaxed and confident. They were ahead 24-6 at halftime, which represented their biggest halftime lead since 2006.
Gallen scampered over in the 6th minute after Smith had been heavily involved in the build-up. The home side tied things up nine minutes later, before the Sharks procession started.
New Sharks standoff Albert Kelly nipped over near the posts after a series of offloads. Kelly, who is the cousin of Greg Inglis, set up and then finished off a long range move for his second try minutes later and looks a dangerous player.
Penrith tried to respond, but the ever-dangerous Michael Jennings was thwarted twice late in the first half. Further Cronulla tries early in the second half killed any chances of a Panthers comeback.
Panthers 12 (D. Simmons, L.Coote tries; M. Gordon 2 goals) Cronulla 44 (P. Gallen, A. Kelly 2, N. Gardner, C. Best, J Mannah, J.Smith tries; J. Williams 7 goals). Halftime: 24-6
