Having snuck into the playoffs in the last round, Cronulla can now secure a remarkable Jersey Flegg grand final berth by knocking off minor premiers Canberra at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
The Sharks notched up their ninth consecutive win over the Panthers on Sunday to punch their ticket to a preliminary final clash with the Raiders, who were dramatically beaten 15-14 by the Bulldogs in extra time last week.
The winner of the Cronulla-Canberra fixture will earn the right to face the Dogs in the decider at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, September 29.
The Raiders boast a 2-0 record against the Sharks in 2024, triumphing 30-4 in Round 4 and 30-16 in Round 8. But Cronulla have vastly improved since their last meeting, entering a purple patch in the back-end of the season.
A confident team is extremely dangerous in September – and the Sharks certainly aren't lacking self-belief amid a stunning winning streak dating back to Round 20.
After clinching the fifth and final playoffs spot by beating the Warriors in Round 26, Cronulla have posted strong victories against the Knights (22-6) and Penrith (40-26). The pressure of sudden-death football has seemingly lit a fire under the Shire side.
Sharks NRL training squad members Michael Gabrael and Siteni Taukamo starred against the Panthers, scoring a hat-trick and a brace of tries respectively.
Kick-off at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday is at 11am, with a NSW Cup preliminary final between Sharks feeder club Newtown and Canberra to follow at 1pm.
Entry is $10 (no student concession or seniors card discounts). People 12 years and under and aged pension card holders will get into the ground for free.
Street parking is available nearby on Mary Street, Glover Street and along the waterfront on Frazer Street. It's advised to arrive early to ensure you find a spot.
CLICK HERE to plan your trip with public transport.
See the team lists below.
Match: Raiders v Sharks
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Raiders
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Keahn SkippsFullback for Sharks is number 1 Siteni Taukamo
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Winger for Raiders is number 2 Siamani LeuluaiWinger for Sharks is number 2 Kristian Dixon
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Centre for Raiders is number 3 Regan CarrCentre for Sharks is number 3 Michael Gabrael
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Centre for Raiders is number 4 Prinston EseraCentre for Sharks is number 4 Talanoa Penitani
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Winger for Raiders is number 5 Kane RushtonWinger for Sharks is number 5 Te Wehi Waitere
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Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jalen AfamasagaFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Taj Ford
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Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Mitch HendersonHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Riley Pollard
Forwards
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Prop for Raiders is number 8 Jake ClydsdaleProp for Sharks is number 8 Lachlan Crouch
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Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Shaun PackerHooker for Sharks is number 9 Chaz Jarvis
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Prop for Raiders is number 19 Caleb GarvieProp for Sharks is number 10 Salesi Ataata
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Jaxon Lavender2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Max McCarthy
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2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Joe Roddy2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Dylan Coutts
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Lock for Raiders is number 13 Mitchell PrestLock for Sharks is number 13 Samuel McCulloch
Interchange
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Interchange for Raiders is number 10 Jordan UtaInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Taj Brailey
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Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Ethan AlaiaInterchange for Sharks is number 15 Felix Faatili
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Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Delahia WigmoreInterchange for Sharks is number 16 Ethan Cocco
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Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Tahrell FeaveaiInterchange for Sharks is number 17 Jacob Taulani
Reserves
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Replacement for Raiders is number 17 Jai PurserReplacement for Sharks is number 21 Lachlan Crossle
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