The Sharks have launched a passionate plea for their suburban ground to host its first NRL final in 14 years, insisting they shouldn’t be shipped to the $800 million Allianz Stadium while title rivals Penrith enjoy home comforts.

Cronulla chief executive Dino Mezzatesta has dismissed the possibility of the Sharks being moved from PointsBet Stadium in the opening week of the play-offs due to their facilities.

Craig Fitzgibbon’s side is scrambling to finish second and host a final if it can win its last two games against the Bulldogs and Knights, and the Cowboys lose to the Rabbitohs or minor premiers Penrith.

The Panthers are in line to host a qualifying final at BlueBet Stadium having already sewn up the minor premiership - they beat the Roosters at their home ground in a week-one final in 2020, while the Cowboys will play a potential home final at Townsville.

But the Sharks remain in limbo with PointsBet Stadium having a reduced capacity of just 12,000 while they undertake a renovation of the adjacent leagues club, and not enough permanent facilities for an extra set of dressing rooms for a potential NRLW fixture.

Cronulla have traditionally played home finals at the old Allianz Stadium at Moore Park when they were perennial finalists under Shane Flanagan, but want a return to their spiritual home if they are able to finish in the top two. The last time they played a final at Shark Park was in 2008.

“My simple view is we’d be bitterly disappointed if we had to play elsewhere because why should we be disadvantaged over everyone else who gets a home semi-final? That’s why you work so hard all year, to be in a position for a home final,” Mezzatesta said.

“Penrith will play at BlueBet Stadium, and if the Cowboys come second they’ll play in Townsville. I understand that. But if Penrith get to play at BlueBet Stadium, why shouldn’t we be afforded the privilege of playing at PointsBet Stadium?