After playing a leading role in Cronulla's 26-12 win over a depleted Bulldogs outfit, centre Nigel Vagana said a new culture of success had been instilled at the NRL club.

Vagana, five-eighth Adam Dykes and fullback David Peachey were outstanding as the Sharks inflicted a third consecutive defeat on an error-riddled Bulldogs outfit in sapping heat at Toyota Park.

Like Melbourne and North Queensland, the Sharks looked like they could've piled on 50 points, but started to make mistakes as the heat affected them in the second half.

Missing Mark O'Meley, Willie Mason and Adam Perry, the Bulldogs were outgunned in the forwards and have now lost three straight games for the first time since 2003, after dropping just five for the entire 2004 season.

Cronulla raced to an 18-0 lead after the opening quarter and never looked like losing in front of a vocal crowd of 17,053.

"We've realised we're a different outfit, a lot more disciplined," said Vagana, who scored a 10th minute try against his old club and set up Peachey for a four-pointer shortly after the break.

"We know what we're doing and we believe in what we're doing.

"We're setting up a new culture at the Sharks."

Bulldogs back-rower Sonny Bill Williams aggravated an ankle injury he suffered in his team's round one win over St George Illawarra, and left the field in the 28th minute.

The 19-year-old Kiwi international did not return but club doctor Hugh Hazard said he should be fit for the Bulldogs' next game following their bye - a round six grand final rematch against the Sydney Roosters.

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