Cronulla are bracing for a State of Origin-like showdown with Brisbane as the premiers' top-four hopes go on the line in inspirational skipper Paul Gallen's 300th NRL game.
Coach Shane Flanagan says it's fitting that former NSW captain Gallen will lead the Sharks - and four incumbent Blues - onto a hostile Suncorp Stadium on Friday night for his milestone match. The game is a critical encounter for both heavyweight line-ups.
"It's amazing. For 'Gal' to play all these games and to be at Suncorp against Brisbane and probably where he's hated the most to play his 300th game, there's a lot of stars that needed to align," Flanagan said on Thursday.
"It's just reward for a true warrior.
"The four NSW State of Origin players have spoken about that this morning, that it's going to be an Origin-like atmosphere and everyone jump on board and enjoy it."
Sharing third place on a congested competition table with the Broncos, the Sharks are coming off a lacklustre 30-12 home loss to Canberra, while Brisbane are flying after thumping Gold Coast 54-0.
Flanagan is challenging his charges to fire up for a pivotal four-game pre-finals stretch against the Broncos, North Queensland, Sydney Roosters and Newcastle.
"It's a really important one for us and it needs to start tomorrow night," he said.
"Against those sides the next three weeks are sides around us (on the table) and it's going to determine the top four and the top eight really.
"In the end, it's what happens next. It's the next two months of football that's going to decide whether it's a successful season or not and that's what we're focusing on.
"We know we've got to put our foot down and go."
Hailing Gallen as "probably" Cronulla's greatest player, Flanagan said all the skipper wanted from his teammates to celebrate his 300th match were two competition points.
While Brisbane-bound Blues backline utility Jack Bird remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Sharks are boosted by NSW five-eighth James Maloney's return from a broken hand.
"It just gives us that little bit of cohesion," Flanagan said.
"Like today with Jimmy there, I'd like to think that it helps tomorrow night. Offensively, he's dangerous and he can kick goals.
"So it'll be great to have him back and he wasn't out for too long so I don't think he'll be that rusty."
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