LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
An inspired Sharks side stand on the cusp of their first NRL Grand Final appearance in nine years as they steel themselves for a titanic clash with the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Relishing their status as supposed underdogs, Cronulla have stunned the star-studded Roosters and minor premiers Canberra in a phenomenal finals campaign to date, setting up a spine-tingling showdown with long-time rivals Melbourne.
The Storm, meanwhile, earned a week off after outlasting the Bulldogs in an intense qualifying final a fortnight ago. With star halfback Jahrome Hughes back on deck, Melbourne have been installed as heavy favourites at home.
But that won't faze the Sharks, who have made a habit of forcing critics to eat their words in winning nine of their past 10 games on the back of rock-solid defence.
Having reached the playoffs in all four seasons under coach Craig Fitzgibbon - including a preliminary final defeat to the Panthers last year - Cronulla feel more prepared than ever to take the next step and challenge for the premiership.
If they win, the Sharks will advance to the decider for the first time since 2016 - when they famously defeated Melbourne 14-12 to finally clinch their maiden title.
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