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The hard graft of five-eighth Matt Moylan is helping propel the Sharks up the NRL ladder and putting his halves partner Nicho Hynes in the frame for a maiden State of Origin selection, Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon says.
Hynes' form has been irresistible this year, with the reigning Dally M Medal winner returning from an early season calf injury to pilot Cronulla to fifth spot.
They have a 3-1 record since his comeback game in round four and will aim to seal a third consecutive win when they host North Queensland on Thursday.
Hynes is being talked up as a potential NSW option in next month's Origin I and Fitzgibbon said the effort of Moylan and the rest of his side was putting the Sharks halfback in a position to deliver.
"(Moylan) gives himself to the team," Fitzgibbon said.
"He sacrifices some parts of his game to make sure Nicho can do what he has to do.
"It's a team thing … There are a lot of moving parts to make sure your team plays well.
"You need your teammates to perform to get the job done in the clutch moments."
Cronulla have overcome a rocky start to the season following the loss of Toby Rudolf to a long-term toe injury and skipper Dale Finucane to suspension.
Finucane is due to return next week against the Dolphins and Fitzgibbon is pleased with how his players have covered for the absence of the influential pair.
"You've got to be able to fill those spots with people who can deliver with those two guys (out)," Fitzgibbon said.
"And they have so far, without those two guys who are petty important to the way we play."
The Sharks were beaten by the Cowboys at Shark Park in 2022's finals series, and while Cronulla have shown glimpses of last year's form in recent weeks, North Queensland travel south with a 3-5 record.
The man of the match in Thursday's encounter will be awarded the Paul Green Medal.
"It's a good initiative by both clubs. Paul was a strong presence at both clubs," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
"Where we're sitting on the competition ladder should be enough motivation for us to fight hard."
