This An Opportunity We Can’t Afford To Lose; Ramien back from ban…

Crucial positions inside the top eight are on the line when Manly host the Sharks at 4 Pines Park on Sunday afternoon.

The equation for the Sea Eagles is simple, defeat Cronulla and secure a home final in the opening week of the finals.

After the Cowboys’ upset win over the Bulldogs on Saturday, the highest Manly can finish is sixth, a big jump from last year’s 12th placed finish.

The Sharks will finish fourth and travel to Melbourne in week one of the finals regardless of the result against Manly.

Cronulla and Manly enter this weekend’s match with contrasting form and health, the Sea Eagles riding high after last week’s win over the Bulldogs.

The victory came at a cost, however, with Jason Saab and Tom Trbojevic to miss the match due to injury.

The Sharks suffered a last-minute loss to the Warriors last Saturday night but they are set to welcome back Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jesse Ramien and Siosifa Talakai.

Sea Eagles: The Sea Eagles are 1-17 with no late changes. Coach Anthony Seibold has turned to Tolu Koula to step in for injured fullback Tom Trbojevic, with Clayton Faulalo to replace Jason Saab on the wing. Ben Trbojevic is also set to make his return to the field after acting as 18th man last week.

Sharks: Siosifa Talakai has been added to the bench on game day as he returns from a calf injury. Talakai comes into the squad for front-rower Oregon Kaufusi, who is being rested after playing every game this year. Royce Hunt has been promoted to start at prop. The Sharks will field a full-strength backline for the first time since Round 17 with Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) and Jesse Ramien (suspension) returning to the side.