The Thunderbolts suffered their first loss of the season last week but the lessons learned will hold them in good stead.
They went down 36-20 against a Panthers side widely considered to be a contender in the NYC competition this year.
Storm Under-20s now hold a 4-1 record to sit equal on points atop the ladder.
While it would have been ideal to keep the winning streak going, there is opportunity now to improve going forward.
“It was only our first loss of the season, it is good to come up against the benchmark team early on in the year,” Thunderbolts coach Eric Smith said.
“We now know the level we need to be at to make sure we can compete with the top teams.
“We played nowhere near our best football and to still be there abouts and within striking distance was a positive we can take out of it.”
The Thunderbolts host the Sharks at 2.45pm this Saturday at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Be there for the Grand Final Replay at AAMI Park. Storm host the Sharks, Sunday 9 April.
Storm NYC Thunderbolts v Cronulla Sharks
Saturday 8 April 2:45pm
Sunshine Coast Stadium
1. Jesse Arthars
2. Harlan Collins
3. Will Toloi
4. Sale Finau
5. Cory Parker
6. Hayden Herbert
7. Scott Drinkwater
8. Jake Ainsworth
9. Caleb Daunt
10. Clayton Dodt
11. Beau Fermor
12. Louis Geraghty
13. Tevita Alifa
14. Jake Elmore
15. Jaiyden Hunt
16. Isaak Pedersen
17. Dale Madden
18. Taumutu Afemui-Nohotima
19. Lachlan Foulds
20. Jirah Momoisea
21. Braydon Trindall
22. Pio Nakubuwai
23. Dechlan Day
