Cronulla can move into the NRL top four with a victory against a Parramatta team, which can be unpredictable, on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium.
With Souths thrashed by the Brisbane Broncos 47-12 on Thursday at Allianz Stadium it has opened the door for the fifth-placed Sharks to sneak in to the top four.
Souths and the Sharks are on the same points (30) and a win over Parramatta by the seaside club will see them leapfrog the defending premiers.
Parramatta upset Manly 20-16 on Sunday, August 22, at Brookvale Oval.
And the Sharks are aware if they don’t come to play with the right attitude against the Eels they will be in strife.
Sharks fullback Michael Gordon, in top form, is joining the Eels next year.
Gordon said the team must approach the game with the right focus.
‘‘We’ve got to start playing to play better and better each week,’’ Gordon, 31, said.
Gordon said all his energies are focused on playing well for the Sharks.
In 80 clashes between both clubs the Eels have won 41 and the Sharks 39 times.
Parramatta defeated the Sharks twice in 2014.
Cronulla hold a 12-11 winning advantage at Parramatta’s home ground.
Can the Sharks defeat the Eels and move into the top four?