An inspired Sharks side stand on the cusp of their first NRL Grand Final appearance in nine years as they steel themselves for a titanic clash with the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Relishing their status as supposed underdogs, Cronulla have stunned the star-studded Roosters and minor premiers Canberra in a phenomenal finals campaign to date, setting up a spine-tingling showdown with long-time rivals Melbourne.

The Storm, meanwhile, earned a week off after outlasting the Bulldogs in an intense qualifying final a fortnight ago. With star halfback Jahrome Hughes back on deck, Melbourne have been installed as heavy favourites at home.

But that won’t faze the Sharks, who have made a habit of forcing critics to eat their words in winning nine of their past 10 games on the back of rock-solid defence.

Having reached the playoffs in all four seasons under coach Craig Fitzgibbon – including a preliminary final defeat to the Panthers last year – Cronulla feel more prepared than ever to take the next step and challenge for the premiership.

If they win, the Sharks will advance to the decider for the first time since 2016 – when they famously defeated Melbourne 14-12 to finally clinch their maiden title.

“You get hardened by your heartache – and we’ve had a bit in the semis for the previous years,” Fitzgibbon said in his media conference on Thursday.

“It’s been nice to have two really strong opponents in the Roosters and Canberra to take that on (this finals series) and give even more belief to the boys.

“We’re also under no illusions as to the Storm. They’ve had the week off – they earned that – and we’re on a six-day turnaround, interstate trip.

“We’ve got a challenge on our hands, but we’re excited for it and the boys do believe that we’re in a better position than we have been in semis past.”

Cronulla’s two matches against the Storm this year have been landmark moments. Their Round 11 battle showed they could well and truly mix it with the competition’s elite, securing a dogged 31-26 victory at Sharks Stadium.

And while they suffered a 30-6 loss at AAMI Park in Round 17 amid the shakiest stretch of their season, Fitzgibbon knew his squad had turned a corner. They’ve lost just one game since, entering the finals as the NRL’s form team.

“It was the start of what we needed to address and work on,” Fitzgibbon reflected.

“From that point on, it’s been relatively consistent.”

A trip to Melbourne is never easy – Cronulla have won only three of 17 games at AAMI Park – however the Sharks proved they can overcome the hostile conditions when they prevailed in a memorable encounter in Round 10, 2024.

Melbourne’s attacking prowess cannot be underestimated, but the Sharks’ granite-like defence has conceded the fewest tries and the fewest points (14.2 per game) since a momentum-changing win over the Dolphins in Round 19.

“There’s no secret the best defensive side wins, and there’s no secret that Fitzy is a defensive coach,” Sharks captain Blayke Brailey said.

“That’s definitely been the most pleasing part for me – watching us defend our line, be really resilient and turn teams away.”

Playmaker Nicho Hynes added: “You can see the way we’re playing at the moment how much fun we’re having. I just don’t want it to end. I’m really loving and enjoying my time with the boys at the moment.

“Everyone’s happy and it’s a really good vibe.”

Fitzgibbon has named the same 17 except for Tom Hazelton (concussion), who has been replaced on the interchange by fellow front-rower Oregon Kaufusi.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy is set to welcome back Hughes from a wrist injury, while electric fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and back-rower Shawn Blore (fractured larynx) are also slated to return for the crunch match.

“Defensively, we’ll have to be on our game,” Fitzgibbon said of Hughes.

“He’s a really good controlling half but (also) a great ball runner. He was out with a shoulder injury for a long period of time, so I imagine his shoulder has healed really well. The new injury being a wrist has clearly healed well enough to play.

“You have to take it for what it is. He’s a wonderful player, one of the best players in our premiership. We’ll have our hands full making sure we can control him. There’s a number of other players we’ll have to do a good job on as well.”

Kick-off on Friday is at 7.50pm. Watch live on 9, 9 Now, Foxtel and Kayo.

Those not travelling to Melbourne can still soak up the excitement during the Footy Finals Watch Party at Sharks at Kareela, with all the action shown live and loud and a range of delicious food and beverage specials including $18 stone baked pizzas, $18 spicy and tangy buffalo wings and $7 Sunday Road schooners.

See the updated squads below.

Stat Attack

The Storm have won their last four finals at AAMI Park.
The Sharks have conceded only 14 points per game over the past three months.
Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored six tries in his last six games against the Sharks.
Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has scored eight tries in his last five games.
Storm winger Xavier Coates has scored 41 tries in 38 games at AAMI Park.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.