Dallin Watene-Zelezniak whacked Sharks star Matt Moylan so hard on Sunday night that the Bulldogs centre felt the need to say sorry in the heat of battle.
"It was actually pretty funny - Dallin was apologising after he belted me," Moylan laughed after his side's 20-18 win at Bankwest Stadium.
While the jamming tackle looked spectacular and will remain on highlight reels for years to come, Moylan emerged unscathed.
He was taken off for a HIA but returned to the field in the closing stages.
"Different hits are different. That one was sweet. He absolutely flogged me! He didn't miss me," Moylan said.
Watene-Zelezniak crunches Moylan
The fullback rated the shot as "up there" with the biggest he's copped. One from Luke Lewis in 2016 also sprang to his mind.
It was a successful return from a hamstring injury for Moylan, who recorded 131 metres and threatened with his ball-playing ability.
The 29-year-old former Panther has been frustrated by his run of injuries - he missed 14 matches in 2019 and has played just three this year.
"I was happy to get through the game and hopefully I can build off that and string some together," he said.
"The strength and everything that we've been doing with the trainers has been good. It's minor little things [like] what set it off last week.
"I think that's just something I've got to stay on top of. Once I string some games together I think I'll be in the clear."
Match Highlights: Sharks v Bulldogs
Sharks coach John Morris pointed out it was only the fifth time Moylan and fellow playmakers Shaun Johnson, Chad Townsend and Wade Graham had played together in 18 months.
"I didn't know it was that little. The more that we can play together, it definitely builds our combinations," Moylan said.
"That will be a work in progress obviously, not being able to play so many games together. I feel like when we do click it goes good.
"We created some good opportunities [on Sunday], it's just about executing them."
Moylan said he doesn't have mental scars from repeated soft-tissue problems, with his competitive nature wiping out any fears.
Watene-Zelezniak levelling Moylan might have been the standout moment from the clash, but Sharks winger Sione Katoa was the star.
His hat-trick - which included an incredible airborne finish and lovely hands for another try - sealed Cronulla's much-needed second victory.
"I just try to make it look sexy for the fans," Katoa quipped to NRL.com when asked about his diving try.
I just try to make it look sexy for the fans.
Sione Katoa
"I enjoy it and I'll try and keep doing it."
Katoa's frequent acrobatics are no fluke - Cronulla's backs have practised launching for the corner on the club's gym floor.
"We run, catch the ball and try and jump and dive and score with someone chasing you from the side," Katoa said.
Floating pass and floating winger gets Cronulla on the board
The 22-year-old speedster, who has played 22 NRL games since 2018, is determined to keep improving.
"This year I just wanted to come in and attack it like I should be there," Katoa said.
"I haven't shown them enough of me and what I can do, especially for my teammates and for myself. This is only the start."
