Coach Shane Flanagan conceded Cronulla had forgotten how to win after the reigning wooden spooners' horror start to 2015 continued on Saturday with a 24-22 NRL loss to Gold Coast.
A 60m James Roberts intercept in the 77th minute and the ensuing Aidan Sezer conversion sent the Sharks crashing to a record 10th successive home defeat and a 0-4 start to the season.
The Sharks looked in control of the contest, up 14-6 at halftime and 22-18 with minutes to go, before Roberts - arguably the NRL's fastest man - pounced on a loose Wade Graham pass and raced away to score and secure the two points on Saturday at Remondis Stadium.
"It was just heartbreaking to lose it like that," Flanagan said.
"They worked really hard and they tried really hard. We weren't smart in what we did but the effort was outstanding.
"But that's not good enough in this competition. We didn't need to offload - didn't need to push passes.
"When you are not winning, sometimes you forget how to win and I think we have forgotten how to win.
"For 76 minutes, we were probably the better team.
"We need to be better than that but it is getting desperate.
"I still believe we have a good footy team - we just need that first win - but it is pretty tough at the moment."
First-half tries to Valentine Holmes and Michael Ennis for the Sharks were countered by a four-pointer by Titans back-rower Dave Taylor.
Flanagan and his Gold Coast opposite Neil Henry both said a Michael Gordon try just before the break, that was called back because Ennis interfered with a Titans defender, was crucial.
Roberts opened the scoring with his first try before 9566 fans after the break, with Holmes adding his second in the 48th minute.
Two Gordon penalty goals looked to have given Cronulla their first win of 2015, before Roberts stole the contest.
It was the Titans' first win of the year.
"It was great for the boys, we have had a couple of tight losses and it was great to finally get a win. James was in the right spot at the right time," Henry said.
"The boys hung in, in large parts of our game, that will be great for our confidence.
"There's some fight in this team; we are really competing out there."
Rookie Titans playmaker Kane Elgey showed on his NRL debut he has a big future, while utility Jack Bird was also impressive for the Sharks in his maiden first-grade appearance.
Titans forward Ryan James was put on report for a high tackle on Luke Lewis in the opening minutes.
Beau Falloon copped likewise for a dangerous throw on Jack Bird in the second half.
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