The Gold Coast Titans put up a strong showing, but were overcome by the Sharks 30 points to 18 in a tight battle in Sydney.
The Titans were all over Cronulla in the opening five minutes and were rewarded with a try to late call-up Corey Thompson. Ash Taylor's conversion from out wide gave the visitors an early 6-0 lead.
Sharks v Titans Match Highlights
After threatening to score a second try, the Titans conceded their first when Sharks prop Aaron Woods' quick hands created an overlap on the left for Josh Dugan to cross in the corner. Johnson, who battled an upset stomach throughout the match, locked it up 6-6 with the sideline conversion.
Cronulla were in again three minutes later when Johnson sliced through the defensive line before putting Siosifa Talakai over. Johnson's conversion made it 12-6.
The Titans lost Jai Arrow to a shoulder injury 10 minutes before half-time, but they battled on gamely and tied it up 12-12 at the break with Jarrod Wallace's converted try in the closing seconds of the half.
Sharks v Titans Match Highlights
The game turned in the 55th minute, where Titans Captain Kevin Proctor was sent off for an alleged bite on Sharks star Shaun Johnson.
Proctor and Johnson, former teammates with the Kiwis, spoke with each other on the sidelines after full-time and appeared to resolve their differences.
Johnson told Fox Sports after the game that "we're still mates" and was reluctant to say anything specific about the incident.
Playing with the extra man, the Sharks were able to run in three quick tries to set up their eighth win of the season.
The Titans showed their fight, continuing to press in attack and were rewarded when Keegan Hipgrave powered over for a try with six minutes remaining.
Both teams finished the game with casualties, as Johnson (groin) and Josh Dugan (knee) left the field before full-time. Titans centre Dale Copley also failed to play out the 80 minutes.
