The stage has been set for a brutal NRL clash between Cronulla and North Queensland after Cowboys’ assistant Peter Ryan gave a chilling response to claims the Sharks would “bash” them on Sunday.

Ex-Brisbane hardman Ryan appeared to bristle when reminded on Friday that Sharks’ coach Shane Flanagan claimed this week Cronulla would be “out to bash them” at Toyota Stadium.

“They want to be the big tough men on the block – we’ll just see what happens on Sunday,” he warned.

Ryan said it had only fired up the Cowboys ahead of a game that could lock in a top-four spot and a second chance in the finals for North Queensland.

“There’s been a bit of tough talk from the Sharks, about us going down there and them bashing us,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the challenge they have set for us.

“That’s good motivation for our players.”

Ryan hinted the Cowboys would take their entire 20-strong squad to Sydney for the clash, extending an anxious wait for James Segeyaro.

The Penrith-bound livewire has come back from a three-month ankle injury but doesn’t know if he will play for the Cowboys again thanks to pressure from fellow utility Anthony Mitchell.

Both have been named on an extended bench but Cowboys’ coach Neil Henry admits only one will earn a nod on Sunday.

“We will leave it until the last minute based on what we see at training,” Ryan said of finalising the 17.

“It would mean a lot to me – it was a long 11 weeks,” Segeyaro said of a Cowboys return.

“I’ve just been dreaming about playing again and hopefully going into the semis.

“It would be good to put on the jersey once again and leave on a good note.”

Ryan did not believe the Cowboys would rest players on Sunday if other weekend results determined they could not finish higher than fifth.

“From my discussions with Neil, no one will be rested but that could change,” he said.

“Personally, I wouldn’t do it and that’s what I will be pushing for.

“Players need to play. To miss a game going into finals, you can come undone.”