The New Zealand Warriors have made a statement by handing the Cronulla Sharks a 44-12 thrashing at Go Media Stadium to move within striking distance of the top four.
Recording back-to-back victories over the Sharks for the first time since Andrew McFadden's tenure nearly a decade ago, the Warriors cemented their credentials as a genuine threat while the Sharks once again disappointed against top eight opposition.
Conceding the opening try after a penalty provided the Sharks with the field position for Nicho Hynes (9th minute) to strike with a show-and-go, the Warriors responded with Shaun Johnson delivering a superb pass to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad which created space for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (19th minute) to touch down in the corner.
Taking the lead courtesy of a well-placed pass from Johnson to Rocco Berry (25th minute) close to the line, a 40/20 from Johnson from the ensuing restart provided the home side with the momentum for Addin Fonua-Blake (28th minute) to power his way to the line.
Completing the first half rout with Wayde Egan splitting the Sharks defence before finding Luke Metcalf (31st minute) in support, the five-eighth almost had a second minutes late only for the bunker to deem the former Cronulla fringe player offside.
The Warriors proved equally adept without the ball by denying Sione Katoa with desperate defence to take a 22-6 lead to the sheds at halftime.
Gaining several fortuitous calls following the resumption including regaining possession from a line drop out, the Warriors avoided the ignominy of Cronulla interchange forward Thomas Hazelton racing nearly 70 metres to score a solo effort due to a knock on in the lead up.
Securing the result after Johnson forced Ronaldo Mulitalo into touch despite a clear run to the try line, Rocco Berry produced an incisive run to link with Nicoll-Klokstad (56th minute) in support.
Taking the score past 30 after Josh Curran (59th minute) spun his way to the line, a right side shift saw Watene-Zelezniak (63rd minute) collect his second of the day to the delight of 24,012 supporters in attendance.
Conceding a late consolation four-pointer to Briton Nikora (73rd minute) that pushed the visitors into double figures, the home side took advantage of Hynes being sin binned with Adam Pompey (78th minute) crossing to run out 44-12 victors.
Next week, the Warriors host the Raiders in Auckland on Friday evening, while the Sharks return home against the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon