Flegg Sharks rout Souths to keep finals hopes alive

Coming into the round in eighth position, the Sharks remain a live chance of breaking into the top five and featuring in the playoffs with four matches to go.

They've now won three straight games and scored at least 40 points in each.

Waitere finished off a slick left-edge shift to open the scoring in the fifth minute before a quickfire double to powerful prop Lachlan Crossle.

Second-rower Jacob Taulani continued the carnage on the left side when he added his name to the scoresheet in the 19th minute. Trailing 24-0, the Rabbitohs struck against the run of play when Jack Field stripped the ball and dashed clear.

There was to be no grand comeback, however, with the Sharks rounding out a sublime first term with an individual effort by playmaker Taj Ford and a second try to Waitere, who accepted a beautiful offload from centre Michael Gabrael.

The Rabbitohs ensured Cronulla didn't have it all their own way when forward Palu Tausala hit a hole and crashed over, but the hosts responded through Gabrael.

Rabbitohs halfback Field went over again to notch up his double, but not to be outdone, Waitere produced a sensational solo try before grabbing his fourth.

Nikora Williams completed the rout when he touched down after a neat pass from halfback Riley Polllard, who tallied 18 points himself through nine goals.

The Sharks face the Storm in Victoria next round.