CRONULLA Sharks have the top four spot in the NRL finals under lock and key for now and a win against Manly on Sunday at Remondis Stadium will clinch it for the seaside club.
A come-from-behind 35-28 victory over Parramatta on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium elevated the Sharks to fourth on 32 points.
After making the finals in 2012 and 2013, the Sharks were wooden-spooners last year.
Coach Shane Flanagan was suspended by the NRL and Peter Sharp took over, then quit late in the year and under-20s coach James Shepherd was in the hot seat.
The team's coach — together with the rest of the coaching staff and the players — have transformed themselves from cellar-dwellers to a finals team this year.
After losing their first four games this season the Sharks hunted as a pack combining their tough, grinding style of play with new-found flair, the ability to score long-distance tries and playing expansive footy.
There's genuine strikepower in the team with Valentine Holmes, Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Ricky Leutele and Jack Bird in prime attacking form.
Skipper Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and hooker Michael Ennis toiled hard all game against the Eels. Halfback Jeff Robson steered the team around with poise. Former Bulldog Ennis scored the match-winning try late in the match — he's been a top buy for the Sharks this season.
Sharks 35 (Sosaia Feki 2, Michael Gordon, Michael Ennis, Ricky Leutele, Luke Lewis tries, Michael Gordon 5 goals, Valentine Holmes one field goal) defeated
Eels 28 (Semi Radradra, Ryan Morgan, Daniel Álvaro, Reece Robinson, Isaac DeGois, Luke Kelly 4 goals).
Leader Man of the Match: Michael Ennis.
Crowd:11,778.
Can the Sharks cement fourth place and topple Manly on their home turf?
