The Cronulla Sharks have ended a 50-year premiership hoodoo, edging the Melbourne Storm 14-12 to win Sunday’s NRL grand final.

More than 83,000 fans crammed into ANZ Stadium in Sydney for the decider and the Sharks looked the goods early, leading 8-0 at the main break thanks to Ben Barba’s try and a pair of James Maloney goals.

The Storm turned the tables in the second half, though, as Jesse Bromwich barged over before a mazy Will Chambers run and try gave them a 12-8 lead.

Cronulla – who had never won the NRL’s biggest prize – nudged back in front thanks to a brilliant Andrew Fifita try, which was converted by Maloney with nine minutes remaining.

Melbourne had a chance to win the game after the siren, but Marika Koroibete was hauled down 10m from the try line to begin celebrations in the pro-Cronulla crowd.

Sharks veteran Luke Lewis won the Clive Churchill Medal for best afield.

“They are the best blokes ever. That’s so good,” Cronulla captain Paul Gallen told the Nine Network.

“To do this, it’s just awesome. I’m just so proud of them.

James Maloney of the Sharks is tackled. Photo: Getty

“We just had to stay composed, stick to our system.

“Andrew Fifita crashed over and we held on for 10 minutes. It’s just awesome.”

Fifita added: “This feels better than anything. I’m just stoked.”

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith said his side were poor defensively in the first half and that they struggled to recover.

“We weren’t that good in the first half. We allowed Cronulla to have too much field position,” Smith told the Nine Network.

“Wasn’t our type of defensive effort in the first 40 but I’ve got to give credit to our boys to fight back there.

Sharks fans at Southern Cross Group Stadium celebrate. Photo: Getty

“With 15 to go, we looked like we had them but this [Cronulla] team – they’re a special side, you’ve got to give them credit for coming back like they did.

“Anyone who follows rugby league, they’ve got to be happy for the Sharks.

“It doesn’t take away from the bitter disappointment that we feel but I’m happy for the Sharks and their supporters.”