The immense relief was there for all to see after carefree Cronulla ended a tumultuous week and a four-match losing streak with a 20-10 upset win over Brisbane in their National Rugby League match at Toyota Park.

The Sharks - out of finals contention and with the coaching future of Chris Anderson finally assured - played like a side without a worry in the world to triumph with four first-half tries in a vastly-improved performance.

"It's been a while since I had a grin on my face. I'm trying it out," Anderson beamed after watching his team put a big dent in Brisbane's top-four hopes.

"Having a happy camp helps. It takes the pressure off everyone."

Anderson was thought to be in danger of not being at the helm next season after the Sharks slipped to second-last on the ladder.

But a board meeting on Tuesday night confirmed his position and the Cronulla players who'd rallied behind their embattled coach responded with a positive display all-too-rarely seen from the Sharks this season.

Asked how much the coaching uncertainty had been affecting the players, Cronulla prop Danny Nutley said: "Last Sunday told the story", in reference to the Sharks' 40-12 drubbing at the hands of Canberra.

"This is the first week everyone's had a smile on their face. It was good."

The victory denied Brisbane a four-way share of the premiership lead and, so congested is the competition table, the Broncos will slip to fifth if the Bulldogs down hapless South Sydney at Aussie Stadium.

But Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said the outlook was far from gloomy for the Broncos, who are sorely missing injured stars Darren Lockyer (ankle) and Gorden Tallis (knee).

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP