GOLD Coast coach Rhyce Shaw says he's "wary of the wounded Lion" entering Saturday's QClash at Brighton Homes Arena.

The Suns have been the competition's feelgood story so far in 2026, but Shaw says there is no chance of taking the struggling Lions lightly.

With co-captain Lucy Single expected to return after exiting concussion protocols, the 5-2 Suns are hopeful of winning against 'Big Sister' for the first time in eight attempts.

"I'm always mindful of the wounded Lion," Shaw said on Thursday afternoon.

"They're a quality side. You look at the players across their team, and although they haven't had the wins they'd normally have at this time of the year, they've been very competitive at different times, and their class and calibre of players is still there.

"They're obviously really well coached with Starce at the helm. 

"We're very wary. We don't take this lightly."

After being in the last four Grand Finals, including winning a premiership in 2023, the Lions have battled form and missing some key personnel this season.

Shaw says his biggest worry is getting consistent performances out of his exciting, young team.

"We've been playing some pretty good footy. I'm still not completely happy with where we're going as a group … we've still got a lot of work to do," he said.

"Our ability to be consistent across the game has been a challenge and over the last two weeks … I think we've found what works and what doesn't.

"We want to be as successful as quickly as we can."