Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks: A history of feuds, fights and grand final clashes

Melbourne Storm and Cronulla share a rivalry that sprang to life long before their 2016 grand final meeting and has persisted since.

While thanks to Russell Crowe, South Sydney has its own “Book of Feuds”, these two teams, separated by some 870km, have been in opposition for every year of Melbourne’s existence.

Since they first crossed paths at Shark Park on March 28, 1998, there has been no love lost.

The Storm have won the lion’s share of their 49 encounters, holding a 31-18 advantage. But the Sharks secured eternal bragging rights with their 14-12 triumph in the 2016 premiership decider.

Along the way, there have been enough dramas and fireworks to ensure an added edge whenever they meet, in particular when there is a grand final berth riding on the result.

So, as the Sharks and St