Josh Dugan claims he's worked hard to clean up his image since leaving Canberra and is adamant he isn't reverting to his wildchild ways after his latest indiscretion.

Cronulla players have taken responsibility for the shock loss to North Queensland, admitting their mistakes - not those of the referee - are the reason they didn't defend their title.

Two NRL coaches had gripes in the first week of the finals. We take a look at whether they were right.

In the end, Cronulla's premiership defence ended on the 30-metre line with 22 seconds remaining in extra-time with Andrew Fifita heading in the direction he's never comfortable with — sideways and towards the touchline.

Cronulla were eliminated in extra-time in a thrilling semi-final against North Queensland at Allianz Stadium.

​A Michael Morgan field goal in the first half of extra time has put North Queensland through to the second week of the NRL finals and ended Cronulla's premiership defence.

Follow live as Cronulla take on the Cowboys for a chance to keep a title tilt alive.

The Sharks' No.1 gun Valentine Holmes is not worried Josh Dugan's imminent arrival at Cronulla will rip the fullback jersey from him, revealing if it wasn't for Ben Barba's drugs ban he might have been tempted to follow through on his NFL dream.

harks coach Shane Flanagan has questioned whether the NRL should allow Sydney teams hosting week one semi-finals against out of state teams the chance to host finals matches at their home ground, rather than taking them to larger venues at Moore Park or Sydney Olympic Park.

Five burning questions: Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys

On the instruction of Paul Gallen there's four little words scribbled on the noticeboard inside Sharks HQ. It poses a question to his teammates, a bunch of Edmund Hillarys who have already climbed their Everest - and now trying to do it again.

Two years ago Penrith hooker Peter Wallace walked into Phil Gould's office and was told it was time to retire. Now he will captain the Panthers in this year's finals series.

Cronulla have work to do leading into next week's elimination final after slogging their way to an unconvincing 26-18 final-round win against Newcastle in the Hunter.

Cronulla insist finishing outside the top four won't dent the club's hopes of becoming the first team in almost two decades to defend their NRL title.

The NRL has defended its decision to afford Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston a testimonial game in next year's pre-season.

Rival clubs have made enquiries about Matt Moylan amid speculation the Panthers skipper is unsettled at Penrith.

​Cronulla captain Paul Gallen has cautioned Josh Dugan about the importance of buying into the Sharks' rebuilt team culture when he arrives in the Shire next NRL season.

Cronulla are close to reaching a settlement over an unfair dismissal claim brought against the club by the former Sharks five-eighth.

Premiers Cronulla have asked the NRL to break with tradition if they are to miraculously secure a top four spot and schedule their first finals game on Sunday week to ensure they aren't shackled by a short recovery period.