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Cameron McInnes looks up, smiles and takes a breath.
William Kennedy has the ball in open space and the Sharks skipper knows what's coming next.
The fullback is streaking down the field on his way to a long-range try in what has become a trend throughout the opening weeks of the season.
Kennedy and centre Kayal Iro each crossed for try of the year contenders last week, while there were plenty of breaks that eventually led to points in Round 1 and 2.
As a forward doing the dirty work through the middle, McInnes enjoys watching his teammates streak away just as much as the Sharks fans on the sidelines.
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William Kennedy Try
"You can say fun or relief," McInnes said. "There's a few words that go [through your head]. In certain moments of the game, when you're in the middle of tackling and working hard and they come up with that.
"You finish a set, you've gone after their kickers and you're trying to work back to get into attack and then they take the ball the other way so you're pretty happy."
The Sharks possess one of the most lethal backlines in the competition, with Kennedy boasting an underrated ability to break a defensive line apart.
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Kayal Iro Try
Ronaldo Mulitalo is one of the best finishers in the game and 22-year-old winger Sam Stonestreet is well on the way to joining him, with 10 tries from eight first-grade games.
Centres Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro are equally adept creating opportunities for the men outside them as they are backing up in support to finish them off.
Perhaps the only thing that can slow them this weekend is the torrential rain that has fallen in the Shire ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Bulldogs at Sharks Stadium.
While McInnes concedes Cronulla have picked the wrong moments to attack in the past, he's noticed a marked improvement this year and said it's important to capitalise on the unique skills his teammate possess.
Match: Sharks v Bulldogs
Round 4 -
home Team
Sharks
10th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
"It's a hard thing to replicate," McInnes said. "Across this whole team there's so much individual talent and skill that the coaches probably can't coach.
"With the way we play there's a bit of freedom for guys if they see something to go after it. They have so much ability some of our outside backs and it's pretty special what they can do but they work so hard as well in the gritty parts of the game.
"Our back five, the way they run the ball out of trouble and some of the try savers as well have been unbelievable. The [tries] are spectacular but they're doing so much hard stuff as well, which for me is the most pleasing thing."
While Mulitalo and Stonestreet are typically finishing off long-range tries, both men said it all starts with Kennedy.
The 27-year-old has now played 110 first grade matches and displays the confidence of a player comfortable in his game.
Already he has one try, two try assists and seven tackle breaks this year. Should he continue at this rate, Kennedy will quickly surpass last season's stats and set career highs in each of the key areas.
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Kayal Ironman
While the fullback rarely figures in representative conversations, Mulitalo said Kennedy remains one of the most underrated players in the game.
"No one really sees the real Will Kennedy and what he provides for this team," Mulitalo said. "I can guarantee you that if he was to leave or something happen, you will have a big shift in our backline of our mentality and the team dynamic.
"He's awesome, he works really hard and the courage he has when he goes up for high balls is great. He's adding layers to his game so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can provide this year.
"I've now played a lot of football with Will Kennedy and he's one of the most talented players that I've been lucky enough to play with."
As the NRL's entertainers, Cronulla have given their fans plenty of reasons to cheer. Another packed house is expected at Sharks Stadium for Saturday night's blockbuster with the Bulldogs and the team has promised to put on a show.
Not only do supporters erupt with each break, the players take plenty of confidence from their ability to strike from anywhere on the field.
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William Kennedy Try
On the flipside, the Sharks know exactly what a long-range try can do mentally to the opposition.
The hard work of a yardage set or the excitement of a try-scoring opportunity evaporate in an instant the moment a player breaks free.
There's plenty of risk involved, but McInnes said the reward is worth it when it comes off.
"It's heartbreaking [to be on the other end]," McInnes said. "From another team's standpoint, you work hard to get out of your end and you put a kick away, then you don't ice your kick chase and it's a devastating feeling.
"To be on [the scoring] end it's good but it's not ideal the other way but that's our game isn't it. Those are the hardest parts of it and that's what you've got to try and get right."
With so much firepower out wide, perhaps the biggest challenge for Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon fitting them in the team.
Stonestreet's opportunity arose after Sione Katoa underwent off-season shoulder surgery, with the Tongan international expected to return in June.
Katoa is signed through to end of next year, while Mulitalo recently signed a contract extension that ties him to the Sharks until 2028. Iro and Ramien are both also locked in for next year.
Kennedy and Stonestreet are off contract at the end of this season and eager to lock in new deals.
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Sam strike rate
While Stonestreet has been happy to develop in reserve grade, his start to the season shows he's ready for the NRL.
The local junior has made the most of his current opportunity in the top flight and has made no secrets about his desire to retain his place in the team long-term.
"I don't geel like I'm keeping the seat warm," Stonestreet said. "Sione is a great player and a great mentor for me but I'm going out there every week to give it my best and let my footy do the talking.
"I'm a local junior, I grew up here and I've been here my whole life so I'd love to stay."
