Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson has vowed to extract a slice of revenge against arch-rivals Cronulla, revealing he still harbours a grudge over last year's NRL finals loss.
Hodgson shapes as a key to Saturday night's showdown in the nation's capital between the highly-fancied Raiders and the reigning premiers.
There is real feeling between the two sides after a courageous Sharks outfit overcame an injury to skipper Paul Gallen and the loss of Wade Graham in the first 10 minutes to beat the Raiders, in Canberra, in the first week of last year's finals.
Hodgson's opposite number Michael Ennis rubbed salt into the wounds of the Raiders fans, imitating the club's 'viking clap', an incident that still riles the lime green faithful.
When asked if he wants to make amends for that game, a refreshingly honest Hodgson said: "Personally I do. I'm one to hold a grudge.
"I don't look at it that I want to get revenge for last year, it's been and gone, but games like that always stick with you throughout your career, the big games that you lose.
"It would be nice for the fans to get a bit of revenge."
A lot has changed for the Sharks since then with Ennis retired and he will be safely ensconced in the commentary box at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.
Shutting down Hodgson shapes as a key to the game with Sharks rookie No.9 Jayden Brailey facing an acid test in his second NRL game.
In the corresponding game late last year, Hodgson took advantage of the absence of Ennis and tore the Sharks to shreds, laying on two first-half tries in a man-of-the-match effort.
"It's not really a message to Jayden. I do remember that game and it's a team responsibility," Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said, when asked how to shut down Hodgson.
"He's a good player and it's not one person's job. It's our whole team.
"Jayden doesn't have to worry about his opposite number. He needs to worry about his own game and we'll be okay."
The Sharks will be without fullback Gerard Beale, with Jack Bird to wear the No.1 and either Kurt Capewell or Tony Williams to come into the side.
The Raiders have been boosted by the return of fullback Jack Wighton and prop Junior Paulo but will be without forwards Joseph Tapine (broken finger) and Clay Priest (suspension).
STATS THAT MATTER
* The home team have lost the past seven meetings between these teams - the Sharks have won four straight matches in Canberra.
* Since 2010 the Sharks have started the season 0-2 on four occasions - in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015.
* Manly in 2009 were the last defending premiers to lose their opening two games.
Source: Fox Sports Stats.
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