After a disappointing last start loss at home to the Broncos, the Sharks this week travel to Melbourne to take on the Storm.
Melbourne return to AAMI Park for the first time in 2015, and the hosts will be eager to perform having narrowly gone down to Manly at Brookvale in round two.
Although the Sharks were unable to secure the two points against Brisbane, coach Shane Flanagan says the side have taken some positives out of last Friday night’s defeat.
“There were some massive improvements in our team, and we need to keep doing that,” said Flanagan.
"We’ve trained really well, we trained well today and we jump on the plane with high expectations.”
The Sharks head south having not beaten the Storm since 2012, but Flanagan remains confident that the side can record a victory against Melbourne on Saturday night.
“Definitely the effort has been there, and that’s the frustrating thing,” he said.
“We just need to keep working hard and I’m sure we’ll get the results.”
In a boost to the Sharks’ hopes, NSW and Australian back rower Luke Lewis has travelled with the team and looms as a possible late inclusion into Flanagan’s final 17.
“He trained well all week, so he’s on the plane,” he said.
“We’re taking 19 [players] down there. There are still a few bumps and bruises and we’ll make a call in the morning, but he’s trained well all week.
“We’re not expecting big minutes out of him if he plays. We’ll just ease him back into it. He’s been around a long time, he knows how to get around the park.”
In other team news, hooker Michael Ennis has overcome an injury concern and will take his place in the run on side.
Sam Tagataese has been named to start in the front row, relegating Matt Prior to the interchange list. Tinirau Arona has been named on an extended bench, alongside Lewis.
Cronulla Sharks vs Melbourne Storm
Kick off: Saturday, 7:30pm.
Sharks fans can watch the game live at The Locker Room Sports Bar in Sharkies Leagues Club, with pre-game entertainment and activations from 6:30pm.
