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The Storm and the Sharks started their finals campaigns a week early at a packed AAMI Park with the Storm taking a handsome win.

Melbourne Storm will have more Victorian support than ever before as they take on Cronulla Sharks for the NRL minor premiership on Saturday night.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg won't throw the book at Cronulla Sharks prop Andrew Fifita prematurely but he has cautioned all players to be careful who they associate with.

Shane Flanagan never won with Craig Bellamy, but he also didn't lose either. Which is why the longtime Melbourne Storm mentor's teachings could come back to bite him in the minor premiership blockbuster.

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita has explained to his club why he supports the one-punch killer of Thomas Kelly

Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita✓ has apologised to the family of Thomas Kelly in a statement and vehemently denies assertions that the letters "FKL" worn by him on his armband this season in any way refer to the freeing of jailed one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge✓.

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The controversial consorting laws that are netting rugby league players is changing the very image of the game – but is it fair?

Joey Leilua says relaxation is key to the Green Machine doing "something special" on a premiership charge.

Canberra Raiders playmaker Blake Austin is back at training but his NRL finals campaign remains uncertain.

If the nerves are supposed to be kicking in before a minor premiership showdown they're not showing in the Shire.

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Cronulla Sharks prop Andrew Fifita has been issued a warning for consorting with criminals.

The NRL has been left with egg on its face after agreeing to lock in the draw before a ball was kicked this season.

It is only considered an outside chance, but the NRL could revive the concept of a finals doubleheader which has western Sydney rivals the Bulldogs and Panthers on a collision course to meet in the city's east.

Cronulla ended a four-game winless run and got their minor premiership challenge back on track with a strong 37-12 win over the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.

Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes not only wants to match David Peachey but also surpass his greatest achievement - but don't expect him to emulate the club legend's feats with the No.1 on his back for a while yet.

If having to wear the burden of still trying to win the competition wasn't hard enough, Sharks fans won't want to look at these numbers which suggest their title quest is all but dead in the water.

Peter Sterling was referring to Andrew Fifita's niggling ways when he said "some players in the game deadset need to have one put on their chin". And the Sharks enforcer wants someone to grant Sterling's wish.

Ignoring the haters is key to Cronulla recapturing their sublime mid-season form, hooker Michael Ennis insists.

After three losses in a row in the home stretch before the semi-finals, you'd forgive Shane Flanagan for hitting the panic button.