Re-signed five-eighth Todd Carney literally put the boot into the Wests Tigers on Friday night as his aerial assault inspired Cronulla to a 30-6 NRL win at Allianz Stadium.
The Sharks scored 30 unanswered points after trailing 6-0, piling on three converted tries in seven minutes just after halftime.
It was a sixth straight defeat for the injury-ravaged Tigers, who lost to the Sharks for just the second time in their past 15 meetings.
The result means the Tigers equal their longest losing streak as a joint venture and they left the field to boos from disenchanted supporters.
Playmaker Carney played the role of architect and tormentor as the Sharks posted back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
Carney, who this week re-signed with the Sharks for five years, set up three tries with steepling, pinpoint cross-field kicks.
Forward Andrew Fifita was the first beneficiary, pouncing to score after young Tigers winger Marika Koroibete caught Carney’s kick in the field of play, only to throw it away when falling back into the in-goal area.
Before halftime, Carney tested the 19-year old Fijian winger with three identical kicks, none of which he fielded cleanly.
The Tigers fell apart in the opening minutes of the second half.
Halfback Jeff Robson rounded off a slick last-tackle passing movement for the second try and then Carney took over.
Tigers fullback James Tedesco spilt another Carney kick and Jayson Bukuya swooped on the ball.
Sosaia Feki won an aerial contest with Joel Reddy from Carney’s next offering to notch the Sharks fourth try.
Carney apart, classy utility Luke Lewis had a massive game and set up Feki’s second try with a perfect pass.
There was no early signs of the carnage to come for the Tigers, who looked the more efficient and enterprising side early on.
Veteran winger Matt Utai rounded off some slick passing to score in the 10th minute.
Former Tigers winger Beau Ryan left the field in the ninth minute after suffering a cut near his left eye, but returned for the second half.
The Sharks lost forward Shaun Spence with a head knock in the 22nd minute.
