It always comes down to this in the derby, it doesn't matter where you sit on the NRL ladder it's all about boasting rights.
With both the Dragons and Sharks smarting from last start losses there will be plenty to play for when the two sides meet across their back fence this Sunday in Wollongong.
The Sharks look to be favourites on paper with a 5-5 win loss record after 10 rounds of NRL.
They are sitting one spot out of the top eight on equal wins with four teams but behind on for and against points.
The Dragons have bigger problems with Sunday's 45-12 drubbing by the Knights in Mudgee leaving coach Paul McGregor contemplating changes to his roster.
McGregor said his forwards had become frustrated after repeated errors by teammates and he would look at changes for the clash with Cronulla at WIN Stadium in a bid to end their four-match losing streak.
"Right now, we're halfway through the year so if we're still making the same errors, and giving away the same sort of penalties, the same people are doing it that means they're not listening," McGregor said.
His options are limited but he confirmed lock Korbin Sims would be available for the must-win match against the Sharks after recovering from a broken arm.
"Korbin will definitely be back next weekend so that's an unforced change for the better," McGregor said.
They sit in 12th spot with a 4-6 win loss record but have an added advantage with a good record at home.
Across the bridge in the shire, Sharks coach John Morris said it was also an ordinary performance from his team in their 10 point loss to Manly.
"The first half cost us, we couldn't get our game going, we didn't get it right in the front line, it's not what happened in the back line," Morris said.
With the imminent return of Matt Moylan the Sharks coach has to make a decision on fullback Josh Dugan.
Dugan's three errors against Manly - two while attempting to defuse kicks - may require a shake-up at the back.
Moylan, a potential starter in the halves against St George Illawarra, is the first of a formidable quartet billed to return for Cronulla in coming weeks.
"I've got some decisions to make over the next week. We'll have a look at that during the week, see what the best fit is for our team to take on the Dragons," Morris said
- Dragons-Sharks derby kicks off 4pm Sunday.
