Minor premiers Brisbane are expecting Cronulla to be fired up after a three-game losing streak that turned the NRLW table on its head.
The Sharks started the season with six consecutive wins to race away from the competition.
But they almost missed out on the finals after losses to the Sydney Roosters, the Broncos and Wests Tigers as they slipped to fourtth, while Brisbane jumped to the top of the ladder on the back of seven straight wins.
Broncos skipper Ali Brigginshaw knows the Sharks still possess the same firepower that they showed earlier in the season and is expecting a stern test when they face off in Sunday's semi-final.
"Every team loves playing the Broncos, especially in a major semi in Brisbane. They're gonna show up at their best," she said.
"They've had a rough couple of weeks but that doesn't mean anything. In the NRLW anyone can be beaten on any day."
After reports the veteran halfback had suffered a sternum injury in her side's final-round win over St George Illawarra, Brigginshaw assured she was fully fit and had only been winded.
Goal-kicking second-rower Romy Teitzel should also be fine to play after being subbed off with nerve pain last time out.
Brigginshaw singled out Cronulla's formidable forward pack, including prop Ellie Johnston and hooker Quincy Dodd, but the big target is talismanic playmaker and Olympic rugby sevens gold medallist Emma Tonegato.
"She (Tonegato) is a bit of an x-factor there. She's someone that's played in a lot of big games and can play at that high tempo so we're expecting a big game from her," she said.
Tonegato certainly won't be overawed by the semi-final stage.
She prefers a low-key preparation to keep the nerves at bay.
"I think everyone's different, but for me I like to just keep relaxed and keep a smile on my face and bop some music and just laugh with the girls. And that's kind of when I find I'm playing my best footy," she said.
"I don't really like (pre-game rituals) and I don't really want to be relying on them. Just happy, smiling, have some sour lollies and just relax."
Canberra Times
