With Sam Walker sidelined by an ankle injury, veteran Daly Cherry-Evans faces pressure when the Sydney Roosters host Cronulla on Saturday night.
The Roosters are coming off a demanding 19-12 loss to Penrith and could suffer five consecutive defeats for the first time since 2016.
Cronulla advanced after a scrappy 26-16 elimination victory over North Queensland, but must improve to remain in the NRL title race.
The Sharks entered the finals after losing four of their previous five matches, all against teams that missed the play-offs.
Addin Fonua-Blake said Braydon Trindall's dislocated shoulder contributed to that run and believes Cronulla can produce a stronger performance.
"So if we're going to give ourselves any chance, we're going to have to play the same quality that they played," Fonua-Blake told AAP.
Co-captain Blayke Brailey is comfortable with Cronulla being overlooked and says the team must control its preparation.
"I think we've got another level in us and hopefully that does come out on the weekend," Brailey told AAP.
He also warned the Roosters would not surrender easy points or field position.
Fonua-Blake expects Cherry-Evans to respond despite criticism after the Penrith defeat.
"He knows how to steer a team around," Fonua-Blake said.