Cronulla have ramped up their push for a seven-day turnaround into next week's NRL finals, with coach Shane Flanagan claiming it as the only fair option.
After Parramatta claimed fourth spot when they beat South Sydney, a win over Newcastle on Sunday will mean the Sharks finish the regular season in fifth.
They are the only team playing this Sunday guaranteed to feature in the finals, while St George Illawarra can join them if they beat Canterbury and finish seventh.
In comparison, North Queensland will enjoy an extra three days of recovery on Cronulla if they survive the weekend to finish eighth - and set up a showdown with the Sharks.
And Flanagan said it was important his team are at least given seven days.
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'"Everything is geared around turnarounds and to be fair to all teams," Flanagan said.
"We play Sunday and we should get a seven-day turnaround. It's only fair in my view.
"It can be done. It just needs a little bit of management from the NRL's perspective."
Flanagan's preference will be for the Sharks to play their elimination final at Allianz Stadium, which the club has previously used as a home ground during the finals.
It's understood St George Illawarra will play on the Saturday night if they win through, while Melbourne will also host a Saturday fixture with no AFL games scheduled for the city.
The Roosters and Brisbane would then likely kick off the finals series on Friday night, assuming that the Tri-colours beat Gold Coast this weekend to wrap up second spot.
Meanwhile, NSW State of Origin star Jack Bird is a chance of getting a game under his belt for the Sharks before the beginning of the finals series.
Bird hasn't played since he injured his shoulder in round 21, but was named as part of an extended bench for Sunday's trip to Newcastle.
He has trained with the squad for the past fortnight and a call will be made on his fitness following Saturday's captain's run.
But Flanagan admitted he may err on the side of caution - particularly given there could be little to play for if Parramatta win.
"In the back of our minds we have to be really healthy and fit for the first semi-final," Flanagan said.
Regardless though, he isn't at all concerned that Bird could be underdone come finals.
"He trained really well. He's had a shoulder injury so he has been able to get a fair bit of work into his legs," he said.
Flanagan will also decide on the fitness of Wade Graham (leg) after Saturday's final session.
