Luke Lewis can feel the same air of expectation at Cronulla that swept through Penrith when the Panthers surprised everyone to win the 2003 NRL premiership.
Lewis was a rookie winger, barely 20, and playing alongside seasoned campaigners like Luke Priddis, Scott Sattler, Craig Gower, Preston Campbell, Ryan Girdler and Rhys Wesser when the Panthers stunningly dethroned the Sydney Roosters in the grand final 13 years ago.
Now the former Test and State of Origin star is a veteran back-rower in the twilight of a distinguished career.
But he can't help but feel the comparisons as the Sharks strive to end a painful 50-season title drought for long-suffering fans.
"I can remember `03. It was a great time, a great experience. It is very similar," Lewis said ahead of Cronulla's showdown with reigning premiers North Queensland on Monday night.
"We have got a lot of good old heads in the team and we have a lot of great young talent coming through.
"They're just playing footy at the moment and us older guys are just trying to do our jobs and get on the back of it and, yeah, it's working for us at the moment."
With the Sharks riding a nine-match winning streak, Lewis admits it's proving almost impossible to keep a lid on expectations in the Shire.
"There's a lot of buzz in the community," he said.
"It's tough actually because everyone's getting really excited, which is a good thing. we love seeing a packed house here at Cronulla.
"But at the same time you have to tell them we haven't achieved anything. All we're doing is sitting at the top of the ladder.
"We're there with Melbourne, the Broncos and the Cowboys. We've won a few games, but it can turn just like that.
"So if we have two losses, we'll be back down in fourth or fifth spot."
