March 23, 2008: Buoyed by an opening Round win against 2007 runners-up Manly at Brookvale, the Sharks flew South to Melbourne to take on the premiers in front of 10,720 Storm fans at the old Olympic Park.
David Simmons opened the Sharks account after just two minutes, before fullback Brett Kearney and back-rower Paul Gallen extended the side's lead to 14 inside the opening quarter.
Not to lie down though the Storm hit back with tries to Russel Aitken and Brett White, to reduce the hosts' half-time deficit to two.
In a hotly contested match, tempers flaired when Sharks prop Ben Ross went high in pressuring a Cooper Cronk kick, and he and White were soon after given their marching orders.
Ross told sharks.com.au that despite being floored by White, he has a strong recollection of the game, and what was a fond year for the Cronulla club.
"I don't know where my head was that day, actually," Ross said.
"I had actually got knocked out for 15 minutes the week prior, and the doctors were saying that perhaps my timing was out. Im putting it down to that.
"When I realised what I'd done to Cooper (Cronk), I went down to pick him up and when I was looking down at the ground, next thing, bang. It was cheap shot.
Putting the hit and a consequential suspension behind him, Ross was a leading force behind the Sharks' surge deep into the 2008 finals series - which, somewhat ironically - was brought to a halt by the Storm.
"It was quite an experience, unfortunately it was a bit of a shame the way things went," Ross said.
"Melbourne are always a great team no matter who they've got in their side. They're always ready for a game, and I guess it'll be much the same come this Monday night."
Re-live memories of the Sharks 2008, Round 2 success over the Storm, with highlights now re-playing on Sharks TV.
