Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks will be aiming to confirm their top four credentials when they host the Newcastle Knights in the final game of Round 24.
Cronulla have been rocked by illness during the build-up to the contest, with centre Kayal Iro and prop Thomas Hazleton unable to line up for the game as a result.
With no Nicho Hynes or Braydon Trindall, Fitzgibbon has kept the same system as the one which got the job done against the Titans last week.
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Blayke Brailey has been named at No.7 but will play a hybrid halfback-hooker role, allowing Cameron McInnes, named at No.9, to play as a middle forward – giving the Sharks an advantage.
They face a Knights side still in the hunt for finals football, though their chances will be next to impossible if they fail to beat the Sharks.
Kalyn Ponga is fit and will need to fire to inspire his side to victory against Cronulla.
Outside back Kyle McCarthy has been named to make his debut in the centres, taking Dylan Lucas’ place – after he was unable to overcome a hamstring injury.
TEAMS:
SHARKS: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 12. Siosifa Talakai 21. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Blayke Brailey 8. Toby Rudolf 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 16. Royce Hunt 13. Jack Williams 14. Jayden Berrell 15. Billy Burns 19. Braden Hamlin-Uele 22. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Niwhai Puru
KNIGHTS: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Fletcher Sharpe 3. Dane Gagai 22. Kyle McCarthy 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott 14. Jack Cogger 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jack Hetherington 17. Brodie Jones 18. Thomas Cant
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