Cronulla playmakers Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes have delivered their thoughts ahead of Saturday's knockout final against the Raiders.
The Sharks travel to GIO Stadium for a sudden-death clash against a Canberra side coming off one of the most remarkable finals contests in years.
The Raiders' 94-minute epic against Brisbane, eventually decided by Ben Hunt in extra time, has been hailed as an instant classic in the days following.
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Ricky Stuart's men fought bravely but now face the challenge of backing up on short rest against a refreshed and motivated Cronulla outfit.
Trindall admitted that he thought his side was heading to Brisbane before the Broncos' dramatic comeback presented the Sharks with an entirely different problem: travelling to the nation's capital.
"I thought it was over well before it was," Trindall said in his media availability.
"Seeing them play that long game on Sunday gives you a bit more excitement to go down and verse them.
"It takes the whole week [to recover] definitely, you've got to get your body right and your mind right... emotionally, physically it's a big week to get up for.
"At the end of the day they're going to come out firing. It's a do-or-die game so they'll be up for it I think."
Hynes also weighed in, admitting that he enjoyed watching the drama unfold from afar as Cronulla waited for their opponents to be confirmed.
"I was hoping that it would go for 120 minutes, it was a great game of footy," Hynes said.
For Hynes, he's banking on the idea that Canberra's monumental effort will leave scars heading into their Round 2 matchup.
"They're going to be a bit battered, bruised and sore at the moment," he said.
The Sharks now see an opportunity. A fresher squad, untouched by extra time, who face a Raiders squad that have named the same team and will need to summon another wave of resilience.
"No one ever gives us a chance," Hynes said.
Both teams know the stakes. Lose and the season ends; win and advance to a preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm.