Cronulla captain Trent Barrett insists his team is relishing the opportunity to kick-start their premiership campaign against premiers Melbourne.
Barrett says taking on the competition's leading side – and current world club champions - at Toyota Stadium will give the Sharks a solid indication of where they may be headed in 2010.
"It is a good time for us to play them first up. If we can beat them or put up a real good showing the club can get a lot of confidence and maybe gain some momentum early in the year," the skipper explained
"That would be a massive boost for everyone at the club - on and off the field."
The season kick-off can't come around quickly enough for a Cronulla side desperate to consign last year's horror season to history.
The knockers are lining up to ridicule talk of a revival in The Shire, but Barrett has warned against writing off the black, blue and whites.
"I think we were all sitting in those dressing sheds last season thinking 'what have we done'? Barrett admitted.
"It was a hard year - there is no denying that – but a lot of things were out of our control."
"This year we have a new sponsor, new jersey, new players and we have put 2009 behind us."
"Although we did it tough last season, we were competitive throughout the season and no-one ran over us and that gives you hope."
"We need a bit of luck and after what happened last year hopefully we get a bit of luck on good fortune and keep everybody fit."
"We want to create a winning culture here for our young guys to enjoy."
Three of those youngsters – Isaac Gordon, Blake Ferguson and Albert Kelly – will be in action against the Storm.
Barrett rates the trio highly.
"Blake showed in the All Stars game he didn't look out of place and he will be better for the experience he gained last season," the captain said.
"Kelly and Gordon are great talents who will go well this season."
"We're not saying too much at this stage, but we're quietly confident of making some noise this year."