Cronulla halfback Tayla Preston is determined to help deliver a premiership to the Shire before her departure to spearhead Canterbury's entry into the NRLW.
While the Sharks are unbeaten after the opening five rounds, they face their biggest test with matches against the Titans, Roosters and Broncos in the next three weeks.
However, Tony Herman's team has managed to overcome disruptions to their spine, with fullback Jada Taylor (knee) out for the season and star five-eighth Emma Tonegato (calf) missing two matches to sit four points above their rivals.
Preston, who was the first signing announced by the Bulldogs for next season, is eager to maintain the momentum into the backend of the season and the finals.
“I’m really focused on this year, I just want to keep taking each week as it comes and keep building my game," Preston said.
"Hopefully I can keep steering the girls around, hopefully we can keep getting those two points each and every week, and build to that premiership."
In a move that is rare in the NRLW, Preston signed a two-year deal with Canterbury from 2025 before this season's competition kicked off on July 25.
The Bulldogs also announced the signing of Raiders playmaker Ashleigh Quinlan, Wests Tigers hooker Ebony Prior and Sharks back Andie Robinson soon after as they prepare for their entry into the NRLW, along with the Warriors.
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“It was definitely a tough decision. It's probably a new thing in the NRLW that we’re all probably not used to," Preston said.
"As much as I'm obviously disappointed to leave the girls, I told Tony [Herman] that I just wanted to keep turning up for the girls.
"It makes me hungry to win that premiership this year especially, you know, to have that fairy tale ending.”
The Sharks imposing win against the Dragons last Sunday was led by Preston and Tonegato, who are forming a dangerous halves combination.
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“It's so good. That was our first back-to-back game this season that we've had together in the spine and Em’ killed it," Preston said. "She took on the line and took on the team - I'm so proud of her.
"Our comms are getting so much better each and every week and I'm stoked we're gelling well. It's awesome, and hopefully we can keep steering the team around.”
The Sharks play last year’s grand finalists the Titans on Saturday, and Herman said the away match would be a great indication of where the team currently stands in the power rankings of the NRLW.
“We've got a bit of a tough draw coming up. We've got Titans, Roosters, Broncos, so we're heading into a little bit of a passage there," Herman said.
“We've put ourselves in a good position at the moment but there's a long way to go and they're a good footy side. I think the girls will be ready."
A key component of the Sharks premiership campaign has been their defence, with Preston highlighting the importance that was instilled into the playing group in the preseason.
“We wanted to make a big emphasis on our defence. I think last year we probably lost those close games that ended up being crucial in the NRLW," Preston said.
"For us in the preseason, the staff behind the scenes have been working really hard with us to get that 'D' right.
"We just want to keep turning up for each other and just enjoy that grind of footy, go head-to-head with teams back and forth, and hopefully the other team cracks.”
