GERARD Beale is a man who knows the importance of the derby.
The 24-year-old left St George Illawarra in the off-season to join Cronulla and has been a constant figure in the Sharks back line since his switch to the shire.
Beale said he understood what the derby meant to both sets of fans, and his Cronulla teammates would be ready for battle on Sunday.
"I guess when I first came to the Dragons and we played the Sharks it was always a big occasion and I noticed the fans really got behind it," he said.
"It's only now that I realise how big the game is.
"To be in the Sharks colours now is exciting. I can't wait to get out there."
The New Zealand international said he enjoyed his time at the Dragons and proving a point would be the furthest thing from his mind come kick-off.
"I don't really look into that side of things," he said.
"I'm obviously at the Sharks now and I'm loving it.
"We really want to get the win. It doesn't matter who's in front of us, we always want to win.
"Obviously I know quite a few of the boys there in the team. I've seen both sides being in the red and white before and now I'm in the blue, black and white."
Beale has played all 10 of Cronulla's games so far this season and has struck up a dangerous combination with exciting youngsters Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird.
But there is one statistic Beale wants to change on Sunday: scoring his first try for the Sharks.
"It would be nice to get my first one for the Sharks at Kogarah," he said.
"But I'm just happy to do my job to be honest. If I'm setting up tries then I'm happy. Working with Valentine and young Jack as well is really good."
Despite speculation that Cronulla captain Paul Gallen would return from his hip injury, the 33-year-old was not named in a 19-man squad on Tuesday.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan will also be sweating on the fitness of Andrew Fifita, on Origin duty this week.
SHARKS
Ben Barba, Valentine Holmes, Blake Ayshford, Gerard Beale, Michael Gordon, Jack Bird, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis, Matt Prior, Jayson Bukuya, Wade Graham (c), Luke Lewis. Interchange: Sami Sauiluma, Tinirau Arona, David Fifita, Sam Tagataese, Tim Robinson
