Cronulla Sharks have the biggest motivator of them all to finish in the NRL top four — Melbourne’s 15-8 win over Brisbane on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The Storm are now level on 32 points with the Sharks but ahead on percentages. The Storm have a plus 119 differential compared to the Sharks minus 5.
For the Sharks — now fifth — to finish fourth and get two chances under the NRL top eight finals format, they must defeat Manly on Sunday at Remondis Stadium. Kick-off is 4pm.
Manly are ninth on 24 points and need a miracle to finish eighth.
The Sea Eagles need the Wests Tigers to defeat St George Illawarra Dragons by 31 points or more on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium and thrash Cronulla by more than 31 points on Sunday.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has named a 19-man squad for the clash and has until one hour before the game to nominate his starting 17.
After losing their first four games the Sharks have surged into the finals on the back of a hard-working forward pack led by veterans captain Paul Gallen and Chris Heighington, with the emerging young talent Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird thrilling fans with their skill and attacking play.
Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman said the club expects a big crowd.
‘‘Sunday will be a day of celebration on many fronts. We are looking forward greatly to a large crowd and the opportunity to toast all the dads who will be in the crowd,’’ Gorman said.
‘‘What a wonderful way to spend Father’s Day: a great game, a great game day experience and the last match at Remondis Stadium for the year as we head into the finals.
‘‘Wrap around that a major activation on work health and safety, the family hill for kids coming to life like never before and a real party atmosphere and we have a very special day.
‘‘It would be a very fitting way to finish the regular season by packing the park like it has never been packed before and then supporting our Surge to September focus as we march full-on into the very exciting finals series.’’
In all matches between the Sharks and Manly since 1967, the Sea Eagles have held a distinct advantage.
Manly have won 59 times to the Sharks’ 23, with two draws.
Since 2008, Manly have won 11 of their 12 clashes against the Sharks.
The Sharks and Manly are also playing for the Steve Rogers Cup in recognition of the great and late Steve Rogers who played for the Sharks, NSW and Australia and is regarded as the club’s greatest player in their history.
