Cronulla can still make the NRL's top four.
But rather than stress and worry about the machinations of finishing in the top or bottom half of the eight finals places, Ronaldo Mulitalo has encouraged his Sharks teammates to be a little more carefree.
"You've got to accept what's happened throughout the year," Mulitalo said.
"Penrith don't give a rat's about where they land, they're confident that they can give anyone in the top eight a run for their money.
"Whether we fall into it or we're out of it, you've got to have the confidence that you're able to do it from outside the top four."
Cronulla's finals destiny will be shaped by Thursday night's clash between fourth-placed Brisbane and Melbourne.
A Storm win would keep the Sharks' top-four aspirations alive and they would then have to beat Canterbury at Accor Stadium on Saturday.
No side in the NRL era has won the grand final after finishing the regular season outside the top four.
But Mulitalo believes the craziness of the 2025 campaign is proof it could soon happen.
"I think it's a different competition this year because we've seen comebacks, momentum swings, the game is faster and a game can be flipped on its head within five minutes or with a sin-binning," Mulitalo said.
"Penrith have defied the odds throughout their whole dynasty so I think it's no different for everyone else.
"We can take a leaf out of their book and have that same confidence.
"I'm pretty confident we can shake the comp up anyway and go with some of the best."
Wherever they end up on the ladder, Cronulla are keen to use this week's clash with the Bulldogs as a valuable pre-finals test.
The Dogs have built their reputation on a willingness to fight on every play.
"They're the best defensive team in the comp and they've been packing out Accor Stadium all year, so I'm sure it'll have a semi-final feel to it," said Cronulla prop Tom Hazelton.
"Along with the atmosphere they're a quality team.
"It's almost a perfect audition for what's ahead.
"At the same time, you're trying not to think too far ahead and they deserve all our attention this week.
"We've started to build a pretty good rivalry with them and every time we play them we know what we're up for.
"They scrap and fight and know what they're about so it'll be a good challenge this weekend."
