Morris sees same way to success at Sharks

New Cronulla coach John Morris hasn't tried to change too much of Shane Flanagan's winning formula at the Sharks ahead of his first game in charge.

The Cronulla side that run out under new coach John Morris will have the same DNA of the group that thrived under Shane Flanagan, the rookie mentor insists.

Morris will guide the Sharks in an NRL game for the first time on Friday night against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium - the same ground he debuted at as a player in 2002.

"I think I know what success looks like for this club and the players do too. We were a game away from the grand final last year so it would be silly to come in and change things for change's sake," Morris said.