A miracle play by Ronaldo Mulitalo has inflicted more pain on Brisbane to secure Cronulla a thrilling 36-26 NRL win at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos slipped to their ninth defeat from 10 matches despite a much-improved display on Friday night.

Veteran Darius Boyd revelled in his return to fullback, setting up four tries for the Broncos but his efforts were undone by the Sharks in the 76th minute.

Trailing by two, Sharks winger Mulitalo put in a clever kick with the outside of his right foot which landed in Connor Tracey’s lap.

Another try to Braden Hamlin-Uele made it three tries in eight minutes to the Sharks as they came back from 26-18 down to snatch the win.

It’s a sixth win in seven matches for the Sharks, who made light of the absence of Josh Dugan, Jesse Ramien and Chad Townsend to claim their first win over the Broncos since 2017.

The defeat was harsh on the Broncos, who had looked good for a much-needed win after doubles to Richard Kennar and Kotoni Staggs had given them an eight-point lead with 10 to play.

Boyd, playing in the No.1 jersey for the first time since round 16 last year, added several key defensive plays to a performance which looked a match-winning one until the 70th minute.

The turning point came when a short drop out by the Sharks was spilled by Tom Dearden and Wade Graham regathered.

Moments later the Sharks had scored through Sione Katoa to spark their comeback.

Jackson Ferris’ NRL debut for the Sharks featured a first-half try, being placed on report for a shoulder charge on Brisbane’s Herbie Farnworth and then leaving the match in the second half after injuring his left knee.

Broncos’ youngster Dearden was also placed on report for a high shot on Siosifa Talakai early in the second half.

Brisbane are away against South Sydney next weekend while the Sharks play Parramatta.