Cronin knows better than most about the ecstacy and agony of grand finals, having been part of one of rugby league’s most fierce rivalries between Parramatta and Canterbury in the 1980s.

The Eels legend took Gerringong to last year’s Group Seven crown over the Sharks with a 28-24 win.

“I spoke to the boys and said you never change the result and you never get them back when you lose them,” he said. “Shellharbour have a few new players this year, so it’s not just about last year.

“They’re always so tough to beat, they’re a big club.”

Joel Roberts kicked a conversion from the sideline to put Gerringong ahead 26-24, after Dragons recruit Reuben Garrick scored in the corner with three minutes left. 

The fullback then kicked a penalty goal in the final seconds to seal a famous premiership win.

It was Shellharbour’s first season back in Group Seven after a stint as St George Illawarra feeder club and in the Illawarra Coal League.

The Lions surged to the top of the ladder with a 32-12 win over Kiama prior to last weekend’s washout.

The Knights are now fifth, but still just one points behind Gerringong.

The competition’s best attack, the Sharks have score 230 points from seven rounds, while Gerringong boast the best defence, conceding just 90.

“We conceded 30 in one game (in a draw against Nowra), so it’s not like we’ve been great all season,” Cronin said.