Cronulla’s NRL finals equation is simple: Win, and a qualifying final with the Sydney Roosters awaits. Lose, and an elimination final is upon them.
If the Sharks defeat visiting Manly on Sunday afternoon, they will sew up the all-important second chance as well as a date with the 2015 minor premiers next week.
Coach Shane Flanagan says he simply wants to maintain his side’s current winning form and says the Sharks have the motivation to do so.
“Father’s Day, capacity crowd, top four on the line… I don’t know what else we need to play for,” Flanagan said.
A top four spot would be a remarkable achievement for a side that finished last season with the wooden spoon.
But Flanagan revealed that, based on the roster at his disposal, it was a goal well within their reach from the pre-season.
“Ninety per cent of the population would’ve thought I was crazy, but the playing group and my staff believed that if we worked really hard, we could get to where we are,” he said.
Winners in 10 of their past 12 matches, the Sharks will need to turn around a porous record against the Sea Eagles, who have won 11 of their past 12 encounters, including the past five.
Flanagan blames their recent struggles against Manly on a scheduling quirk, with just one of the past five played in the Shire.
“Even this year we played them without Michael Ennis and Paul Gallen, and they were pretty much at full strength,” he said.
Flanagan won’t write the Sea Eagles off, noting they are trying to send coach Geoff Toovey out on a winning note and that for Cronulla it’s about fundamentals.
“We’ve just got to make sure that we play well,” Flanagan said.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Haha Maldron. Always sneaks back in under a diff alias. Maybe it really is Ronald M Gould?!? He didn't miss in having a real good crack at Gallen in the smh today. Maybe the wife theory is true
Renegade
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, will do! Hopefully your mob don't ruin the party ;)
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
ahh Marldon welcome back. Whether you are on Zero Tackle or the Roar you never shy off in your gross criticism of the sharks. The thing is the Sharks will make the top 4, beat the Roosters and are a good chance of making the grand final this year. You have never said who you support?
Muzz
Guest
Gal must've shagged his missus back in the 90's and hasn't quite gotten over it.
eagleJack
Guest
Wowsers, really? I had no idea. I just recall him complaining about the refereeing during the storm v manly game earlier this year. So figured he was cheering on Manly so the Storm will finish Top 4. But now his comment makes a lot more sense. Enjoy Shark Park tomorrow Rene
Renegade
Roar Guru
EJ, you do realise Richard is also Ronald M - right?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Good to see some chirpy Sharks fans. Must be that exciting part of the year before they realise they have to wait another year for a shot at the premiership. One day fellas, one day. Richard is a Storm fan, btw.
JVGO
Guest
Do Manly actually have a forward pack?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Trent Barretts boys?
Renegade
Roar Guru
Based on your form - that pretty much means everyone should throw their house on cronulla!
Richard Maybury
Guest
Toovey's boys are going to smash Cronulla. I can see it coming. This game will be a blow out.