Shane Flanagan says his side will head to Melbourne with their sights firmly set on the two competition points and not that of a Minor Premiership this Saturday night.
While our Club has not lifted the J. J. Giltinan Shield since the side of ’99, Shane Flanagan maintained that his side’s desire to win stemmed from hitting form at this stage of the season and not from claiming silverware.
“I haven’t really thought about it too much (Minor Premiership),” said Flanagan.
“We just needed to win tonight (Saturday) and get back on track and win tonight.”
Flanagan admitted the test against the first placed Melbourne side would not be easy following their loss to the Broncos however he said that he was solely focused on his own side and their ability to control their own fate in 2016.
“We need to still need to go down there where we might need to win to wrap up a home semi-final.
“We go into every game wanting to win so if there’s a trophy on offer we’ll take it if we get it but it’s not our main focus.
“Our main focus is to go down there, play well and get a win so our destiny’s in our own hands about getting a home semi-final.”
The Cronulla Sharks Members and fans have been a major influence on the sides on field performances in 2016 and Flanagan said a home semi final would be great for them however understands the enormity of this weekend’s challenge in Melbourne.
“I think it’d be massive (a home semi final). Obviously all our fans can just travel half an hour up the road.
“It is what it is however the boys are of the understanding that we go up against a pretty good football team down there in Melbourne next week.
“Both of us (Sharks and Melbourne) will be playing in game where there’s a minor premiership up for grabs so that’ll be the first point but we’ve got to win to guarantee ourselves second place however we don’t get second place if we win we get first place so it’s a little bit different.
