MICHAEL Gordon will try to help his Cronulla side maintain their charge for the top four on Saturday against the club where he will start the next chapter of his career next season — Parramatta.
Cronulla travel to Pirtek Stadium to take on the Eels knowing a win could see them climb into fourth, pending other results.
Cronulla fans would have been cheering on the Eels last week as they upset Manly, a result sealing the Sharks' place in the finals.
The Sharks have been the form team of the competition, winning nine of their last 11 games but come Saturday afternoon, Gordon told the Leader it would be all about continuing the Sharks' push for the top four.
"We're still a massive chance," he said.
"We've been getting plenty of pats on the back lately but really we haven't achieved anything yet.
"There was still the possibility we weren't going to make the semis.
"While the boys are excited, and it's always better winning than losing, we still know that going through the motions isn't going to get it done.
"We've got to start playing better and better each week."
The 31-year-old has been one of the unsung heroes of the Sharks' resurgence.
Gordon, a former State of Origin and NSW Country representative, has been in impressive form as Cronulla have climbed the table.
Gordon said Cronulla were playing with the ideal mix of flair and toughness.
"Everyone calls us a grinding sort of team but I think we've got plenty of points in us," he said. "We've got plenty of flair. But we've got some bloody tough players as well.
"When we're going set for set with teams there's not many that can stick with us."
And while he doesn't know how many games he has left in the black, white and blue, Gordon said going out with a premiership would be the perfect way to sign off as a Shark.
"I think everyone's dream at Cronulla is to be part of history and I'm no different," he said.
"It's one of those things where you sort of want to talk about it but you don't want to think too far ahead because there's still a lot of football left and so much work to do.
"A week is a long time in footy, let alone four weeks, so while we're happy to be where we are we still know we have to keep playing better and better each week."
Sharks fans will also get a glimpse of the future on Saturday, with Jack Rogers named to make his debut in the under-20s match against Parramatta. The son and grandson of club legends Mat and Steve Rogers has been named on the wing.
SHARKS
Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Valentine Holmes, Jack Bird, Jeff Robson, Chris Heighington, Michael Ennis, Sam Tagataese, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (C). Interchange: Matt Prior, Anthony Tupou, Tinirau Arona, Jayson Bukuya.
