The Cronulla side are under no illusions about the challenge presented by Canberra on Sunday.

With the premiers locked in a battle for a spot in the top four with finals now less than a month away, a loss to the 10th placed Raiders could have serious repercussion for the Sharks chances of defending their 2016  premiership.

Sharks First Nations forward Wade Graham (pictured) says his side has been burnt by the Canberra side in the past and the team will need to be at their very best against a Raiders team with everything to play for.