Shaun Johnson Sharks return home after Panthers collapse

Penrith's poor start to the season reached a new low after conceding a 14-0 lead in a four-point demoralizing defeat against Cronulla.

The Panthers kept control on Thursday until Bronson Xerri illuminated the PointsBet Stadium with a 65-meter run to score his first points in the 49th minute.

The rookie's first rookie started with a four-shot blitz in 26 minutes, including a penalty for Chad Townsend, who won a stellar 24-20 win.

Britain's Nikora, who overcame what looked like a serious hip injury in the first half, broke through the center before taking advantage of Townsend.

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Malakai Watene-Zelezniak brought the Sharks' half back to the test line, allowing his team to reduce the deficit to eight points 16 minutes from time.

That lead was reduced again when Andrew Fifita took a close approach before Josh Dugan scored the winner of the match.

This defeat is the fourth of the Panthers in their first six games and leaves retired coach Ivan Cleary under increasing pressure early in the season.

In contrast, the win for the Sharks stops their own slow start to the year and occurs despite the fact that it lacks five top players in their lineup.

Winger Sione Katoa was a late withdrawal, leaving William Kennedy, 21, his debut at the back post with Dugan in the locker room.

Signs were positive early for the Panthers, with Maloney scoring Tim Grant for the first few points, then running out for Nathan Cleary soon after.

Despite the fierce south, Penrith could only take a 14-0 lead at the break.

And although Waqa Blake reacted to Xerri's try early in the second half, he did not stop the Sharks from going home to steal a dazzling victory.