The words uttered after Cronulla won their maiden title could propel them to their next one.

The 2016 premiership victory was labelled “soft” at the time by Penrith supremo Phil Gould, despite the Sharks outlasting a star-studded Melbourne in a gripping decider. The Sharks haven’t lost a game to the Panthers since, with the players chanting “three cheers for Gus” after beating them at home in early 2017.

It has been almost two years since Gould’s comment, but it may still be ringing in the ears of Cronulla players ahead of their elimination clash against the mountain men on Friday.

'Soft' jibe: Phil Gould's comments stoked the Panthers-Sharks rivalry. Credit:AAP

Reminded of the jibe, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said: “We’re on a different journey in 2018.” However, Flanagan said every NRL title was difficult to win and shouldn’t be denigrated.