South Sydney must do what no team in the past 15 years has done to make the NRL finals, but coach Michael Maguire refuses to give up hope.
Ahead of Friday's clash with the defending premiers in Cronulla, the Rabbitohs are languishing in 14th position on 16 points, likely needing to win at least six of their last seven games to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Not since Canberra in 2002 has a side pulled off such a feat after being on 16 points after 19 rounds, with 21 teams since failingto recover from the same tally.
But Maguire still won't concede Souths' season will be over before the finals for the second-straight year.
"There are many teams that have shown you can do anything from anywhere," Maguire said.
"So if you think like that, you can (make the finals).
"And that's exactly how this group thinks.
"Whatever position you're in at this time of the season, we're in there with a great opportunity. So for us, we're looking forward to Friday."
Maguire also won't consider resting injured star Angus Crichton to ensure he is able to have a full pre-season before next year.
Crichton, who has burst onto the scene this year aged 21, is playing with a fracture in his foot, and this week has been wearing a moon boot.
It's unknown whether the second-rower will require surgery at the end of the season, but Maguire says he won't be tempted to sideline the young star.
"We've got a fair bit to play for on Friday. I haven't even thought about that," Maguire said.
"It just goes to show what the team means to him. He's a special kid and, like all of them, the team means a lot to all of them.
"He's shown a great resilience."
Maguire also confirmed halfback Adam Reynolds would face the Sharks on Friday at Southern Cross Group Stadium, despite reports of an injured thumb.
Reynolds trained with the team on Wednesday morning but was spotted with his hand heavily strapped, however was in no doubt.
Maguire was also coy on whether Damien Cook would return to Souths' bench for the match, after being dropped last week for their loss to North Queensland.
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