LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The second knockout match in the NRL finals on Saturday features the Cronulla Sharks, who will receive a passionate yet compact home crowd, as they host the Sydney Roosters at Sharks Stadium.
This encounter marks a repeat of their clash at the same stage in the finals just two years prior, with the Sharks set to face the Roosters again in September, where the loser will be eliminated from contention.
The Sharks have experienced a tumultuous season in 2025.
Under the guidance of coach Craig Fitzgibbon, they have shown flashes of brilliance. Their late-season victories, first against the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights flanking a Round 25 bye, followed by a notable win over the Canterbury Bulldogs, have positioned them well as they head into the finals.
The match against Canterbury stood out as one of their finest performances, allowing only a single long-range intercept try, despite missing their defensive anchor Cameron McInnes, who is sidelined with an ACL injury.
As the Sharks progress into the finals, maintaining a strong defensive strategy will be critical, yet their consistency in this area has been somewhat variable throughout the season.
Their defence will face an immediate challenge.