NRL: Sharks rise from sea of scandal to finals

Sharks skipper Paul Gallen struggled against Manly last week. Photo / Getty Images

Few would have predicted Cronulla would be vying for a premiership just 12 months on from the dust settling on the ASADA saga.

But the Sharks view it as a continuation of a period of sustained success.

The club were close to ruin last year after the unprecedented turmoil over the long-running drugs scandal. On the field, it culminated in a last-place finish.

However, they wrote off the 2014 campaign as an anomaly and have rebounded to where they believe they belong - in the finals.

Even at their lowest ebb this season, the playing group insisted self-belief was at a high and that's been vindicated by qualifying for their third finals series in four years.

"I think it's a great achievement for everyone involved," coach Shane Flanagan said, "from administration, people on the front desk, players, staff, supporters, sponsors.

"Everyone's had to play their part this year and I'm really proud. I'm the head of it but there's a lot of work from a lot of people that has gone into it and there's been a bit of luck along the way.

"We learnt some lesson and it's onwards and upwards for us."

After the Sharks blew a chance to snare a top-four spot following their last round loss to Manly last weekend, Flanagan was quick to point out finishing fifth was still above expectations - even if it means they now face sudden-death elimination in their qualifying final against premiers South Sydney at Allianz Stadium today.

The Sharks, who have not made a grand final since the 1997 Super League season - the longest drought of any side behind Canberra who last appeared in 1994 - have largely flown under the radar this year, mainly owing to their lowly 2014 finish and a slow start which had them 14th after 11 rounds.

And while they lost seven of their first 11, including their first four, they have been one of the form teams in the second half of the year, dropping just three matches.

"Points haven't been a problem for us. I'd rather concentrate on the other side of things, especially in semifinals it's about defence."

Captain Paul Gallen was roundly criticised following last week's upset loss to Manly and Flanagan has predicted Gallen will return serve to his critics, chief among them Penrith supremo and Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould.

"I'm glad Gal got bagged during the week and we will see how he goes on Sunday," Flanagan said. "In the back of his mind, I'm sure it will give him further motivation.

"Gal is a quality player, he is captain of New South Wales and he has done a great job for us. I think it is pretty unfair the criticism he has copped but Gal is a really strong person and he will come out and play accordingly."

Andrew Fifita has shaken off a leg strain and will be fit to return from a six-week club-imposed suspension to play Souths.

The Rabbitohs will be without John Sutton, who is out for the season with a broken leg and suspended duo Issac Luke and George Burgess. However, they welcome back Greg Inglis after two matches out with a knee injury.

- AAP