Penrith dominated field position and kept the Sharks on the back foot all game, and while the Sharks defence was commendable, their attack was atrocious.
Things looked grim for the Sharks very early when fullback William Kennedy tore his hamstring after just 3 minutes, but he remained on the field for a further 3 minutes before succumbing to the injury. The reshuffle saw Connor Tracey move to fullback and back rower Briton Nikora move out to centre.
The scoring started in the 6th minute when Nathan Cleary grubbered close to the Sharks line. Kennedy blocked it with his foot, but couldn't regather. Liam Martin regathered before passing to Jarome Luai who barges over for a try. Cleary added the extras.
The Sharks woes continued in the 10th minute when winger Sione Katoa dislocated his finger and came off the field to get it attended to. He eventually returned shortly after. Despite the extra reshuffles, Penrith's attack couldn't crack the gritty Sharks defence.
In the 22nd minute Penrith crossed for their second try when another Cleary grubber was blocked, this time by Nicho Hynes, but he couldn't contain the ball as it dribbles agonisingly slowly into the Sharks in-goal, where Isaah Yeo grounded it for a try. Cleary converted from almost in front.
A Cleary 40/20 gave the Panthers a great attacking opportunity and from the ensuing set Brian To'o scored in the right corner somehow, despite being tackled around the legs by Jesse Ramien and with Braydon Trindall sliding across to try and prevent the ball from being grounded. Cleary converted from the sideline.
Jarome Luai looked to have scored his second try when Katoa dropped a pass from Tracey in the Sharks in-goal area. The referee awarded the try but the Bunker found that Katoa managed to ground the ball first, denying the Panthers five-eighth a try.
As the halftime siren sounded, Nathan Cleary attempted to kick a field goal from 49 metres out, and while it was perfectly aimed, it fell just under the cross bar. At halftime Penrith were in control and leading 18-0.
Penrith extended their lead in the 48th minute when some second phase play saw the Panthers spread the ball left to Luai, who linked with Scott Sorensen. The back-rower threw a brilliant pass behind his back to Tyrone Peachey who dished it to Sunia Turuva and he scored in the corner. Cleary failed to convert from the sideline.
In the 57th minute Tyrone Peachey was sin binned for a high shot on Jack Williams. The Sharks attack at this stage was so disjointed, that it failed to take advantage of the extra man.
In fact, it was Penrith who scored, just 4 minutes after Peachey was binned. Cleary kicked into the Sharks in-goal and Liam Martin somehow reeled it in, while running at top speed, and planted the ball near his feet just inside the dead-ball line for a great try. Cleary converted to give the Panthers a clear 28-0 lead.
Neither side threatened the scoreboard for the rest of the game as turn-overs started to take over. Cronulla's only shining light was the incredible defence which made over 50 tackles inside their own 20 metres and conceded just 5 tries against the best team of the past few seasons. This was highlighted by Cameron McInnes who made an astonishing 83 tackles in 80 minutes.