Beware the wounded Shark.

That’s the word from Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan after the intense criticism his captain Paul Gallen has copped following last week’s upset loss to Manly which sank their top four hopes.

Cronulla meet South Sydney in Sunday’s elimination final at Allianz Stadium and Flanagan has predicted Gallen will be fired up to return serve to his critics, chief among them Penrith supremo and Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould.

“I’m glad Gal got bagged during the week and we will see how he goes on Sunday,” Flanagan said.

“In the back of his mind, I’m sure it will give him further motivation.

“Gal is a quality player, he is captain of NSW and he has done a great job for us.

“I think it is pretty unfair the criticism he has copped but Gal is a really strong person and he will come out and play accordingly.”

Flanagan confirmed Andrew Fifita has shaken off a leg strain and will be fit to return from a six-week club-imposed suspension to play Souths.

The Rabbitohs will be without John Sutton, who is out for the season with a broken leg and suspended duo Issac Luke and George Burgess. However, they welcome back Greg Inglis after two matches out with a knee injury.