Will Kennedy's electrifying performance and a brace from Sam Stonestreet helped Cronulla break their two-game losing streak, clinching a 24-18 victory over the Sea Eagles. Despite a late surge from Manly, the Sharks held firm in defence, with Tom Hazelton sealing the win in the final minutes.

A stellar performance from Will Kennedy and a double from Sam Stonestreet propelled the Cronulla Sharks to a hard-fought 24-18 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles at Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kennedy, the Sharks' fullback, dazzled with an individual try and was unlucky to have a sublime long-range effort controversially overturned, as Cronulla snapped a two-match losing streak.

The Sharks took an 8-0 lead into halftime, thanks to two quickfire tries from Stonestreet, both of which were expertly set up by five-eighth Braydon Trindall, bringing a previously dour contest to life.

Manly enjoyed a significant share of possession in the opening 20 minutes but struggled to turn field position into points, with the Sharks’ defence holding firm.

While Cronulla's defence stood tall in the arm wrestle, simple errors occasionally cost them. However, the momentum swung in their favour when bench forward Sifa Talakai entered the fray and powered through the middle with a barnstorming run.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 34th minute when Cronulla playmaker Trindall delivered a perfectly timed long ball to Stonestreet, who touched down in the corner.

On the stroke of halftime, the duo combined again as Trindall drifted across the field and cleverly placed a grubber that sat up perfectly for Stonestreet to collect his fifth career double in just 11 NRL appearances.

Although halfback Nicho Hynes was unable to convert either of his attempts from the right touchline, the Sharks took a comfortable lead into the break.

Both teams had tries denied by the Bunker in a frenetic start to the second half. Kennedy’s scintillating effort on a kick return was ruled out due to obstruction, while Sea Eagles winger Clayton Faulalo was judged to have grounded the ball on the touchline as he launched towards the corner post.

Kennedy continued his electrifying play in the 46th minute, producing a legitimate try. Receiving an offload from Jesse Ramien, Kennedy jinked through the defence to score next to the uprights.

Faulalo kept Manly in the hunt, scoring in the 51st minute after winning the race to a grubber from centre Reuben Garrick.

The contest became even more intense when Manly’s Luke Brooks intercepted a Trindall pass and sprinted 90 metres to narrow the gap.

However, Cronulla regained breathing room when Ronaldo Mulitalo delivered a well-timed offload to send Mawene Hiroti across on the left edge for a try. Hynes' conversion attempt struck the post and bounced away, leaving the Sea Eagles with the prospect of needing a converted try to level the scores.

Manly continued to threaten Cronulla’s defence but struggled to convert opportunities. At the other end, Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton nearly sealed the victory with five minutes remaining, crashing over next to the sticks for a try.

There was one final twist in the tale when Manly's Tommy Talau intercepted and raced away, but Mulitalo reeled him in. Daly Cherry-Evans then crossed for a try on the following play, giving the Sea Eagles one last chance to snatch victory.

Despite the late drama, Manly was unable to capitalise, and the Sharks held firm to claim a crucial victory. Cronulla now prepares for their upcoming clash with the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Easter Sunday.