We're at the halfway point of the regular season and three Sharks junior rep teams are in the hunt for the finals as they prepare to host the Rabbitohs at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday.
Needing to finish in the top six to secure a playoffs berth in their nine-round competitions, Cronulla's Harold Matthews side rank fourth, SG Ball are ninth on a congested table and Tarsha Gale sit right on the cut line.
While the Lisa Fiaola squad remain in search of their first win, their determination and talent could lead them on a late surge up the ladder.
Round five will mark the last time the four teams all play at home this season.
Read on for previews of this weekend's matches.
CLICK HERE for team lists and game details.
Harold Matthews Cup
Coming off their biggest win of the season - a 40-6 thumping of the Sea Eagles - the under-17 men's Sharks are looking to make it three on the bounce.
Having produced their most complete performance since round one last time out, Cronulla can put themselves firmly in line for the finals by beating a Rabbitohs team that started with a bang before losing three straight games.
"It's just about being consistent now to keep building on it each week and sticking to what works," coach Brad Kelly said.
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Rabbitohs
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
SG Ball Cup
After a much-needed victory to arrest a two-match slide, the under-19 men's Sharks are among a cluster of sides aiming to break into the top six.
Coach Dave Howlett's troops are up against a South Sydney outfit with a 1-3 record, having most recently suffered a 44-14 defeat to the Warriors.
Despite leading 20-0 at halftime over Manly last week, Howlett felt Cronulla didn't fully capitalise on their attacking chances.
They survived a Sea Eagles fightback to clinch a 28-20 result, with the next challenge being to secure back-to-back triumphs for the first time in 2024.
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Rabbitohs
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Lisa Fiaola Cup
Results may not have fallen their way, but the under-17 Sharks women have been competitive all year and could well open their account against the Rabbitohs.
The Cronulla youngsters were right in the contest with the Sea Eagles at halftime last week and will give themselves every chance if they can replicate that effort.
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Rabbitohs
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Tarsha Gale Cup
Looking to shoot into the top four, Isaac Michael's tenacious under-19 girls will hope to make a statement in accounting for the winless Rabbitohs, who were beaten 32-12 by the undefeated Bulldogs in round four.
Notching up wins in the first two rounds, the Sharks have gone on a loss-draw run over the past fortnight but lost no admirers with their performances.
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 5 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Rabbitohs
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Lead image credit - Adam Wrightson
