Former Sydney Roosters forward and English legend Phil Clarke says what Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has done with the Sharks should be an inspiration to all fledgling Super League clubs ahead of the World Club Challenge this weekend.

Writing for skysports.com, Clarke praised Flanagan for turning the Shire club into a rugby league heavyweight.

“Without going into too much detail, he’s helped a club that isn’t the richest, nor does it have the largest area of players to choose from, to become the champions in one of the most intensely competitive leagues in world sport.

“It is remarkable and should act as an inspiration to all of the teams in the Betfred Super League who haven’t yet been to the Grand Final.

“I’ve read some pessimistic and negative articles about the Super League recently, but two wins to the home teams on Saturday [Warrington and Brisbane] and Sunday [World Club Challenge] will change all that.”

Meanwhile Sharks five-eigth James Maloney says victory in the WCC is an integral part of the NRL premiers pre-season.

“They’ll be roared on by a passionate home crowd and we know how much this game means to the English teams,” he told AAP.

“We’re not here for a holiday, we’ve trained hard and this match is an important part of our pre-season preparations.”