Injury-depleted Cronulla have upset the New Zealand Warriors 22-20 in a tense NRL contest in Auckland.

In a game that saw the lead see-saw throughout, the Sharks snuck home by just two points in front of 13,587 people at Mt Smart Stadium.

The Sharks were missing captain Brett Kimmorley, who was injured on Thursday night in the City-Country clash in Coffs Harbour, but began in good form, taking the lead early in the first half.

The revamped Warriors, welcoming Louis Anderson and Jerome Ropati back into the team, struck back in a physical contest by scoring a try just before half-time to take an 8-6 lead into the break.

Sam Rapira showed great strength to push through a clutch of Cronulla players and ensure the home side led after the first 40 minutes.

A try to Michael Witt gave New Zealand some breathing space at 14-6, but the Sharks stuck to their game-plan and fought their way back into the contest.

Three tries in the space of 15 minutes had the visitors leading 22-14 with 20 minutes remaining and, despite a late four-pointer to Anderson, the Sharks held on.

There could be further troubles for the Warriors, with four players put on report during the match - Nathan Fien, Logan Swann, Tony Martin and Michael Witt - while Lance Thompson was also reported for the Sharks.

Swann's late high shot on Adam Dykes will cause particular concern to the New Zealand outfit.

The Warriors can ill-afford any suspensions, with fullback Wade McKinnon already sidelined for two weeks for pushing referee Jason Robinson last Sunday.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP