Gallen was disappointed with how the team responded to their recent injury toll and the Brett Seymour incident, labelling the loss to Newcastle last Monday as the team's worst effort in "the past couple of seasons".

With prop Ben Ross out with a terrible neck injury, joining fullback Brett Kearney on the sidelines for the long-term, Gallen admits the Sharks have their backs to the wall for tomorrow's local derby at WIN Jubilee Oval.

The arch rivals may be on the same competition points after the two rounds, but there is a stark contrast in their early-season fortunes.

The Dragons are at full strength and have been impressive under new coach Wayne Bennett on the back of some rock solid defence.

While Bennett continues his quest for consistency, Stuart is calling on the Sharks to respond to adversity with victory tomorrow.

"That's what he was looking for last week," Gallen said.

"But it just affected us too much.

"I think with the injuries and Buster's incident, it was a tough week for us.

"We've missed Rossy, but we have to get on with things."

Gallen said he was not fazed by St George Illawarra being fired up to celebrate their return to Kogarah with victory over the Sharks.

Cronulla have had a light week in training this week, only holding their first full ball-work session on Thursday afternoon.

The NSW lock believes the Sharks needed the freshen up before another bruising battle with Bennett's Dragons.

And Gallen said the high expectations placed on the Dragons could work against them in tomorrow's battle.

"There has been a real buzz around the St George team, there's always expectations on them, but there is a little more here," he said.

"We don't need any help getting up for this game, what's happened has been character-building and we have to respond."