The Sharks seconds enjoyed a comfortable 40-12 victory in Bunbury over South West Warriors last Saturday. However, Joondalup's upset 30-28 win over South Perth Lions allowed the Sharks to move two points clear at the top.
Running in eight tries to three against the second bottom Warriors, the Sharks were largely untroubled throughout.
Logan Barclay, Matt Pora and Moses Tuivoavoa each registered a double, with Kyle Murray and Brandon Wright also crossing for a try, while Barclay, Pora, Kaine Buckwell and Michael Buck shared goalkicking duties and each registered one conversion.
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READ NOWThe Sharks have three games of the regular season remaining, against fifth-placed Fremantle, third-placed North Beach and sixth-placed Kalamunda.
After a week off with the bye, the Sharks first team face Fremantle at Ken Allen Reserve.
The match shapes as a must-win contest for the Sharks, who have lost second place on the ladder to tomorrow's opponents, with the chance for a second life in the finals on the line for finishing second.
The task won't be straightforward however, with a number of key players expected to be missing for tomorrow's game.
NRL WA 2015 Smarter Than Smoking Premiership Ladder
1. South Perth Lions �������27 pts
2. Fremantle Roosters �������24 pts
3. Rockingham Sharks �������23 pts
4. North Beach Sea Eagles�������20 pts
5. Joondalup Giants �������12 pts
6. Kalamunda Bulldogs�������10 pts
7. Willagee Bears �������4 pts