Sharks players have praised "level-headed" coach John Morris for ensuring his battle to secure a new contract hasn't affected the team.
Morris, who has made the finals twice in as many years, is mounting a strong case to be re-signed with two wins from four games in 2021 including last week's 48-10 crushing of the Cowboys.
The 40-year-old could move closer to a new deal if Cronulla beat perennial heavyweights the Roosters at the SCG on Saturday.
Despite enduring constant speculation about his future since last year - with other coaches linked to the club - Morris hasn't shown any signs of frustration or worry, according to veteran prop Aaron Woods.
"You wouldn't even know that he's under the pump. Every day he comes in and does everything right. If he gets the extension - 100 percent, everyone's behind him," Woods told NRL.com on Wednesday.
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"He doesn't show it around the group and I think that's probably been a really good thing for us.
"But the boys are ripping in, we're doing the best we can for him. We're just trying to take the pressure off him. It's his first time being a head coach ... He's still learning a lot about himself."
Hooker Blayke Brailey was nurtured by Morris through the Sharks junior system and said the coach is able to control his emotions in any situation and communicate with his troops effectively.
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"He's given us all the tools to be able to win games. We're playing really well this year, our defence has gotten better," Brailey said.
"I'm not too sure what will happen, but he's definitely got my support [to remain head coach]. He's pretty relaxed, he's level-headed. Whether we win or we lose, he never gets too high or too low.
"He's been a really good coach for me and for my progression in the NRL. If he stays I'll be really happy."
With a decision pending on Morris, many off-contract Cronulla stars like Woods, Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan and Matt Moylan are in limbo. Chad Townsend said last week that he would wait to see what happens with the coach before activating a player option for 2022.
However, Brailey said the uncertainty hasn't been a disruption.
"I've never really heard anyone speak about contracts or getting re-signed or moving. I think it just shows how concentrated we are on the year and how important each week is," the dummy-half said.
Morris inherited a team on short notice from the suspended Shane Flanagan and operated with a restricted salary cap over the last two years.
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The Sharks, who were renowned for grinding out victories under Flanagan, have reshaped their identity to include free-flowing attack alongside rugged defence.
Front-rower Braden Hamlin-Uele believes they're starting to find their groove with and without the ball. Their improved goal-line defence has been a particular source of pride so far.
"It just shows that we want to turn up for each other and we want to make teams work for tries, not just let them in after a few tackles on our line," Hamlin-Uele said, noting their performance to repeatedly hold out Parramatta in round three despite only having 13 fit men.
