Cronulla's late-season struggles hinder their finals hopes after unexpected losses, leaving them to face the Cowboys in the first round.
It's happening again at Cronulla.
Fears of a late season fade-out appear to be coming true as the men from the Shire bumble their way into the finals after looking like minor premiership chances just weeks ago.
The Sharks were riding high a month ago, on a five-match winning streak, and many were predicting they could finish first given they weren't scheduled to play a top eight team during the final five rounds.
But shock losses to the last-placed Dragons, Raiders, Eels and an unconvincing win over the 16th-place Titans a fortnight ago have shattered their top four hopes.
They will finish fifth and host the Cowboys in week one of the finals, but already critics are saying they've blown a golden chance to win a premiership.