Energised Cronulla Sharks power through Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium

THIS time last year the Sharks were on a plane home from a failed World Club Challenge tilt and the weight of defending their historic premiership on their shoulders.

Cronulla were impressive in their trial win over the Tigers

THIS time last year the Sharks were on a plane home from a failed World Club Challenge tilt and the weight of defending their historic premiership on their shoulders.

Fast forward 12 months and a seemingly fresh and energetic Cronulla are free-wheeling towards kick-off in 2018 after powering through the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium last night.

Scoring five tries to two, the Sharks couldn’t appear any better prepared for a challenging first-up trip to Townsville to face North Queensland.

Cronulla were impressive in their trial win over the Tigers

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan used his strongest side for the opening 40 minutes before he benched the majority of his big guns, including Josh Dugan who left the field after a heavy whack to the jaw.

The Sharks coaching staff said Dugan would be fine for round one. However, props Braden Uele (ribs) and Ava Seumanufagai (hamstring) will require scans.

The 20-0 halftime scoreline was reflective of the class edge that the Sharks through, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Fifita and Valentine Holmes boasted.

The Sharks will take plenty of confidence into their season opener following the win

“I thought the first 40 minutes was fantastic, we really controlled the game and executed well,’’ Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

“I’m as happy as Larry.’’

Tigers coach Ivan Cleary said his side were guilty of too many errors and in-turn spent long stretches of the opening half defending.

“In terms of practice and what lies ahead for us, I thought it wasn’t a bad night,’’ an optimistic Cleary said.