The Mole: 'Revenge not a motivation' for Cronulla Sharks despite re-living 'painful' Panthers loss
Sharks skipper Cam McInnes is adamant that hours of painful video work on last year's preliminary final loss to the Panthers will see his side turn the tables on the premiers on Sunday afternoon (AEDT) in Las Vegas.
Cronulla were knocked out one game short of the grand final 26-6 to end their 2024 campaign - but McInnes insists this isn't about revenge.
"It would be great to get one back on them after coming so close last year but revenge is not a motivation," McInnes told Wide World of Sports.
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"It's more about playing the benchmark team and seeing just where we are at to start the season. We've reviewed that game a lot on video and it wasn't easy watching but we got some good lessons from it and know what we need to do.
Cameron McInnes The Mole Getty
"We know the formula - I don't want to give too much away but field position is the key to beating them - they are such a good side and just grind down the field and then put points on. If we can match them in that area then we are on our way.
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"But then, they are also so good at defending try line… that's why they are the greatest team of the modern era.
"The build-up is actually pretty similar for both matches - both massive games with so much on the line. It's been a long summer and the boys are itching to get out there."
The defending premiers will be without star winger Brian To'o for the clash in Sin City, while the Sharks won't have winger Sione Katoa on deck for an extended period.
