Michael Gordon has only ever tasted defeat in NRL finals encounters, but the Cronulla fullback claims the Sharks are ready to end that statistic against North Queensland on Saturday.

The former NSW representative has enjoyed a strong first season with the club since moving from Penrith having put two years of injury hell behind him.

Coach Shane Flanagan has banned his players from discussing the ASADA probe – but Gordon said the Sharks deserve to be feared due to the way they have put their off-field problems behind them to finish fifth on the ladder.

“From one to 17 we are a very strong side,” Gordon told AAP.

“When everyone is fit and available we know we can beat anyone as we’ve shown by beating Souths and the Roosters this season.

“The Cowboys are on a good run but with all of our players available we are confident we can knock them over.”

Gordon’s last involvement in the finals came in 2010 when Penrith finished second on the table under the coaching of Matt Elliott only to go out in the finals after two straight losses.

“We had a great season, finished second and had Canberra at home and we were really confident of beating them.” he said.

“But we lost 22-24 then went down to the Roosters the following week and we were out.

“It was bitterly disappointing to strike out by losing both games and I would love to have a better experience this year.”

In addition to making the No.1 jersey his own this year, Gordon has steered clear of injury since moving from the Panthers having suffered a badly broken leg last year and rupturing his cruciate ligaments in 2011.

“I’ve had a bit of calf problem which has been a bit difficult to shake off, but I am right to play,” he said.

“Obviously it’s nothing as serious as before and it’s been a big relief to spend a lot of time on the field and not in rehab.”