Veteran prop Ben Ross is encouraging people to write off Cronulla’s finals hopes, saying the team will use it as motivation as the Sharks strive for a top four spot.
The Sharks’ top eight chances took a huge hit in Saturday night’s controversial loss to Penrith, and coupled with a tough run home it has left doubt over whether they can recover to reach the finals.
But Ross, one of the team’s strongest performers this season, says he welcomes the skeptics.
“I love being an underdog,” Ross told AAP on Tuesday.
“I love people saying we’re not going to make it because I can’t wait to prove them wrong.
“They said the same thing about us before the start of the season, and look what happened then?
“That’s the good thing about our team. We work well under adversity.
“I hope people keep bagging us and saying we’re not going to make it.
“Because I know the boys here are mentally tough and we’ll prove some people wrong.”
Despite their recent form slump, in which they’ve collected just one point from their past four games, the Sharks have a strong belief that they can earn a home final with a top four finish.
Prop Andrew Fifita says it would be foolish to write off the Sharks, who will likely welcome back star duo Todd Carney (knee/hip) and Paul Gallen (abdominal strain) as well as forwards Wade Graham and Bryce Gibbs for Sunday’s clash with the Warriors.
“Our eyes are on the top four,” Fifita said.
“… I wouldn’t write us off. It’s the same as the Melbourne Storm. They’ve lost five in a row now.
“Never write off a team. We’ve been here all year and I really don’t think we could miss that eight.
“Once we get our momentum back and get our mojo back I reckon we’ll be a top four team again.”
Currently seventh, the closeness of this year’s competition means that Cronulla are just one point behind fourth-placed North Queensland.
And with many of the top eight hopefuls facing off against each other in the final five rounds, Ross says the potential for lots of change on the ladder could work in the Sharks’ favour.
“It’s always a goal to make that top four,” Ross said.
“I’m looking at the Warriors this week, and if we win that we’re closer to that top four position.
“You’ll see the competition spread out a little bit now.”
