Cronk expecting to be 'smacked' by Sharks

Cooper Cronk knows he'll walk onto Allianz Stadium with a target on his chest.

And the Sydney Roosters halfback isn't shying away from the working over he's expecting to receive from Cronulla's Wade Graham during Saturday's NRL qualifying final.

Over the course of their careers, Graham has consistently risen to the challenge of targeting the former Queensland and Australia playmaker at club and interstate level.

On a number of occasions he's successfully rattled Cronk's cage with defensive pressure and tickled his ribs when he's dared to take the ball to the line.

In round six last year, Graham pulled off a memorable seek-and-destroy mission on Cronk which laid the foundation for the Sharks' 11-2 win over Melbourne.

Rather than run from Graham's pressure tactics, Cronk said he was embracing the challenge of nullifying the Sharks' back-rower.

"He's always in and around the left edge so he's going to smack me at some stage on Saturday night," Cronk said at the Fox League finals launch.

"I'll try and get up and keep playing the game that we play.

"It's what finals are about; relentless pressure, can you handle it?

"It's about the best teams, the best players."

Graham has struggled with niggling injuries this year, which robbed him of the chance to retain his NSW State of Origin jersey.

However, he has risen to the occasion with consistent game time over the past few months with the Sharks shaping as dark horses, in large part thanks to his influence.

Paul Gallen this week identified his Cronulla co-captain Graham as key to getting under Cronk's skin, leaving the Tri-Colours under no illusions as to what's in store.

"I just think it's the way football is played these days, back-rowers pressure halves when they go to the line," Cronk said.

"Sometimes halves get on top, sometimes back-rowers get the pressure on that they want to.

"I'm not going to shy away from it and I dare say Wade's not going to shy away from it."