Cronulla suddenly look like the real deal in this season's National Rugby League, the Sharks backing up their hiding of the reigning Premiers St George Illawarra last week with a 44-12 rout of the Panthers in Penrith.
While the Sharks proved they're no longer easybeats but genuine title contenders, it was a horror night for the home team at Centrebet Stadium, capped by a shoulder injury to halfback Luke Walsh, a potential suspension for skipper Petero Civoniceva and an error-riddled match by star centre Michael Jennings.
Timana Tahu also endured a disappointing return to the NRL in his debut for Penrith.
