Dragons Coach Paul McGregor knows all too well of the assessment his side will face tonight, as the travelling Sharks roll in to Kogarah hopeful of scoring a second Derby win in 2016.
In adding fuel to the fire ahead of what already promises to be a hotly contested affair, the Dragons' Coach looked back a little further than the early rounds of this season to rev up his troops.
"They're clubs that both teams hate," McGregor said.
"It's close districts, we've had a lot of success over the years, and they're chasing their first success.
"(The Sharks) were in a favourable position up until last week ... but our club's won 16 premierships. When the teams come together, it's always a nice rivalry."
Forced to watch on in angst as the Sharks ran in five tries to nil at Southern Cross Group Stadium in Round 2, McGregor heaped praise on the Cronulla stocks in saying the Club is deserving of it's place inside the competition's top two.
But not daunted by the task of containing a Cronulla forward back brimming with size and skill, 'Mary' said he was confident the Dragons would be up to the task in front of their home supporters.
"It's obvious that Cronulla are lead by what they do their middle third," he said.
"They've got some nice exciting outside backs with speed who can finish off a try too."
"But our guys have battled against strong sides last two weeks ... I see our guys coming out and winning that battle through the middle."
