The Sharks are poised to reshape their narrative as they head into a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters this Saturday.
After years of underwhelming playoff performances, the Cronulla Sharks aim to dispel their "finals flops" reputation, a label earned through eight consecutive finals losses from 2017 to 2023.
Following a disappointing exit in 2022, where they finished second but suffered heart-wrenching defeats, the team has turned a corner.
In a remarkable turnaround, Cronulla has reached back-to-back preliminary finals, with the added achievement of eliminating the Roosters last year.
The Sharks currently hold the joint-most finals victories in the competition since 2025, alongside Penrith and Brisbane, with three wins each.
Co-captain Blayke Brailey believes the Sharks have overcome their playoff challenges, despite lingering skepticism from others.
"That narrative always changes," he remarked, dismissing outside opinions and expressing confidence in his team's capabilities.
Facing the historically strong Roosters, who have recently struggled in high-pressure matches, Brailey sees the upcoming bout as a test of skill rather than perception.
Addin Fonua-Blake echoed Brailey's sentiments, noting that focusing on external narratives detracts from their objectives.
A victory would move the Sharks closer to a preliminary final against the Dolphins, but Fonua-Blake cautioned against underestimating their opponents.
With a well-rounded team from the Roosters to contend with, the Sharks understand that every match is a fresh challenge.