This was published 9 years ago
Fifita the hero as Sharks claim maiden premiership
At long last
The Cronulla Sharks have ended 49 years of heartache to win the club's first premiership after beating the Melbourne Storm 14-12 in a historic grand final.
The side dominated much of the match with their intensity and attacking play but failed to find the killer blow to knock off the stubborn Storm.
Until Andrew Fifita became a one-man wrecking ball during a tense second half.
Re-live the epic battle that ended one of league's legendary and enduring jokes and finally allowed Sharks fans to "turn your porch lights off".
The hero
Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita celebrates after scoring the grand final winning try for the Sharks.
The match-winner
He scored the match-winning try for the Sharks after storming across the line in the 68th minute.
Overcome
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen was lost in his own emotions after his side hung on to beat the Storm in the decider.
Star duo
Gallen and Fifita celebrate shortly after the full-time siren sounded.
At long last
Michael Ennis' NRL career ended with a grand final victory.
Forlorn figures
Storm players were left coming to terms with what had just transpired.
Sharks circling
Ben Barba and teammates celebrate the first try of the NRL grand final.
Gallen's ready
Cronulla skipper Gallen tries to take on the the Storm defence.
Veteran poise
Luke Lewis had a strong start for the Sharks in their pursuit of glory.
