Coach Craig Fitzgibbon has thrown his support behind Cronulla's home ground amid swirling rumours that the venue could be axed from hosting NRL matches.
Speculation has run riot within the media this week that the Sharks could lose their Ocean Protect Stadium as soon as the end of the 2026 season, and instead play at Allianz Stadium or Kogarah Oval.
It comes as the venue, otherwise known as Shark Park, faces criticism for its outdated facilities, weather-related issues and 15,000 capacity.
Cronulla chief executive Dino Mezzatesta conceded that upgrades are necessary, but slammed the speculation as baseless in a statement on Thursday.
On Saturday, Fitzgibbon doubled down on Mezzatesta's comments.
"I wasn't aware of it, and then was made aware of some traction and noise around it, but I don't see how we're not entitled to have a home ground or be here," he said.
"It's our home ground, we love it, we want it, want to keep it, and we're entitled to it.
"There's plenty of other urban grounds that are getting by that I'm sure need some work."
The NRL's suburban venues have come under increasing fire for their limited crowd capacities and outdated amenities, which lead to potential lost revenue for the league.
Along with Shark Park, Manly's 4 Pines Park and Wests Tigers Leichhardt Oval face the biggest criticism, although the inner west stadium is expected to undergo a $40 million facelift after the season.
Regardless of the venue speculation, Fitzgibbon is focused on helping his side overcome rivals St George Illawarra (1-11), who are coming off their first win of the season against premiers Brisbane last Sunday.
To make matters worse, the Sharks (6-5) will be without NSW Blues representative Blayke Brailey after the hooker fractured his arm against Manly last round and will be replaced by Jayden Berrell.
Halfback Niwhai Puru is set to play his second NRL match after a promising debut against the Sea Eagles, while utility Hohepa Puru has been named on the bench.
"There's plenty to play for, and ladder positions are almost irrelevant whenever we play each other anyway, so that's an exciting challenge for us," Fitzgibbon said.
"The fact that they (Dragons) performed so strongly last week adds a bit extra."
For the visitors, Jacob Liddle (hamstring) has been named in the No.14 jersey while second-rower Jaydn Su'A (calf) is included among the reserves.
