Andrew Johns has warned Cronulla will miss finals if a worrying form slump continues, and has pinpointed the game the Sharks must win on the run home.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s side sits sixth on the NRL ladder after 21 rounds but has struggled to beat other teams in finals contention.
The Sharks’ run home features games against the Panthers, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, and Raiders – all teams going better than them – with the Knights and Titans also ahead.
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”The next two weeks is going to show us what’s under the bonnet (of the Sharks),” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth.
“They have lost confidence. Their left side has been totally changed.
“Their semi-finals, and Newcastle’s semi-finals, will come down to round 26. That game defines both clubs’ seasons, whether they make the eight or not.”
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The Knights sit 10th on the ladder but have a softer run home than the Shire side, and have run into some purple form of late.
Both Johns and Brad Fittler have tipped Cronulla to be heavily beaten by Penrith this weekend.
ANDREW JOHNS: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Bulldogs, Titans.
BRAD FITTLER: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
DAVID MIDDLETON: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Bulldogs, Cowboys.
ALLANA FERGUSON: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
WALLY LEWIS: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
MATTHEW THOMPSON: Roosters, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Bulldogs, Cowboys.
THE MOLE: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
PAUL GALLEN: Roosters, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Bulldogs, Cowboys.
BILLY SLATER: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
JAMES BRACEY: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Knights, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
DARREN LOCKYER: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
RUAN SIMS: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
BEN GLOVER: Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Raiders, Sea Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins, Cowboys.
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