Will Kennedy says he has learnt his lessons from Las Vegas, making his positioning at the back a priority for the rest of Cronulla's season.

Kennedy's defensive reads were questioned after the Sharks' 28-22 loss to Penrith in the US, with the fullback caught in the wrong spot for two Panthers tries.

He did well to deny Lindsay Smith early in the game, but was caught out later in the first half when Isaah Yeo went through the middle.

The fullback was then nowhere to be seen when Nathan Cleary kicked early for Izack Tago to score moments later.

Kennedy said he had put the lessons in his back pocket ahead of Saturday's clash with a desperate North Queensland, conceding he knew it had to be a priority.

"I think every fullback works on their positioning, because you're the last defender as well," Kennedy said.

"You've got to just work hard around the back. That's something everyone works on as a fullback.

"It's something I want to keep working on in my game. It's a big play when, when you do those try-savers.

"Those good fullbacks, they just keep working hard and I got to keep doing that."

Kennedy remains off contract at the end of this year, but maintains his priority is to stay at the Sharks.

Cronulla had ended last year fighting to keep several players beyond the end of 2025, but have largely emerged unscathed with only Daniel Atkinson signing with St George Illawarra.

Sharks players are also adamant that they are building to something big, with their narrow six-point loss to Penrith in Vegas a sign they are getting closer to the premiers.

But there is also a sense from some in the league that Cronulla are easy targets for criticism, having sat as a contender for some years without taking the next step.

"I don't really see (the criticism), but we've got to be hard on ourselves," Kennedy said.

"Especially just having those little drop offs, that's something we just have to keep working on as a team.

"It feels like we're getting closer and closer (to Penrith).

"That's why they're the best. They don't never go away. That's something we've been working on, just not going away and sticking at it."