The Warriors suffered an unexpected flogging in Auckland at the hands of the Sharks in August last year, with the visitors emerging comprehensive 45-4 winners in the Round 22 clash.
Star duo Paul Gallen and Todd Carney led the show for the Sharks in their seven-tries-to-one romp at Mt Smart. The pair were sublime as they led their team to a record victory across the Tasman. Carney, prop-forward Andrew Fifita and winger John Williams picked up doubles for Cronulla, with Carney collecting a 24-point haul.
The difference between the teams was huge – the Warriors fell well behind in a number of key statistical categories. Cronulla dominated possession (57 per cent to 43), completions (85 per cent versus 72) and line-breaks (six to two).
Perhaps the most telling statistics though were metres gained and missed tackles made – Cronulla steamrolled downfield throughout the match, finishing with 1633 metres to the Warriors’ 1209 metres, and let opposition players slip through their fingers on just 23 occasions compared to the home side’s terrible tally of 48.