Star Cronulla signing Nicho Hynes led the Sharks to a handsome 36-12 win over St George Illawarra in wet and windy conditions in Wollongong.
Hynes had his fingerprints all over the Sharks' second win of the season with a personal tally of 16 points (one try and six goals), combined with his 15 kicks for 552 metres, a line-break, a try assist and four tackle-busts.
Then again the Sharks were solid everywhere — six players ran for more than 100 metres.
The 24-point win rocketed the Sharks from 10th on the ladder to third, albeit there are still seven matches to be played this weekend.
But the dominance and slickness of the win in trying conditions will keep other teams looking over their shoulders as Cronulla thrives under new coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
Case in point was the three tries in the first half as Cronulla defied the poor weather conditions by throwing the ball around freely to set up an 18-0 lead at the break.
The Dragons did not help their cause when Jaydn Su'a was sent to the sin-bin, as happened against Penrith last round.
While Su'a was off the field, Sione Katoa went over in the right corner and then Matt Ikavalu crossed in the left for the Sharks.
The Dragons tried to reply but Ben Hunt was held up over the line and Mikaele Ravalawa was pushed into touch.
Siosifa Talakai retrieved a Hynes kick for Cronulla's third try five minutes out from half-time.
The Dragons pulled one try back early in the second half when Hunt put Jack Bird through a hole, allowing the 27-year-old to score against his old club.
But Cronulla then shifted the ball around, with nine players having a hand in Jesse Ramien's try to push the margin out to 18 points once again.
The Sharks extended their lead through tries to prop Braden Hamlin-Uele and Hynes.
Jack Gosiewski scored the Dragons's second try of the match inside the final 10 minutes.
AAP
