SYDNEY- Cronulla captain Paul Gallen wants the Sharks to psychologically demoralise their NRL opponents this year by always keeping a star forward on the bench.
Gallen believes Cronulla's stocks are so strong, they can break down opposition teams by saving their best for a second wave.
Last year a key reason for Canterbury's success was their tactic of starting props Sam Kasiano and Aiden Tolman, before saving arguably their best front-rower James Graham for later in the match.
Gallen sees an opportunity for the Sharks to do the same, with their intimidating pack bolstered further for 2013 by the additions of Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington.
The game's premier lock has even volunteered himself for the occasional role as interchange muscle.
"James Graham is one of the best front rowers in the competition. I know when you come up against a team like that and you see someone like that coming off the bench, you think, 'shit, we've got to compete with him coming on,'" said Gallen.
"I think we've got the opportunity this year to do the same thing.
"Whether it be someone like Wade (Graham), (Anthony) Tupou, Heighington or even myself my times coming off the bench.
"I think it makes the team a whole lot stronger when you've got a really strong bench."
Gallen, who will make a final decision this week on his availability for the All Stars match on February 9, is full of praise for the Sharks' star-studded pack which also features the likes of Bryce Gibbs, Ben Ross, Andrew Fifita and Jayson Bukuya.