The Sharks stunned the Warriors in front of a sold-out crowd last week, posting a tough comeback that will undoubtedly please coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were unable to equal the Eels in front of another sold-out crowd at CommBank Stadium, with their new signings, notably captain Stephen Crichton and halfback Drew Hutchinson, still requiring time to gel.
Despite being scoreless at halftime and behind 14-0, the Bulldogs battled back to a 12-point deficit with 10 minutes to play before falling 26-8.
Cronulla, who have previously been questioned about their capacity to upset top-eight teams, found a way to overcome a 12-6 halftime deficit, with second-half tries to Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talaka securing the victory.
The Sharks won both of their meetings last year, 81-30.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has made modest changes to the team that defeated the Warriors last week, starting Toby Rudolf and benching Royce Hunt. Braden Hamlin-Uele (knee) remains out.
Bulldogs: With Josh Addo-Carr sidelined for the next few weeks due to an AC ailment, new recruit Conner Tracey moves to the wing after acting as the 18th player last week. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has otherwise remained consistent with the team that lost to the Eels in Round 1, with no other alterations to the lineup. Bronson Xerri is the new successor.
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