SHARKS FACE DOUBLE FORWARD BLOW
Cronulla will be without enforcer Braden Hamlin-Uele to face Canterbury on Saturday night, while Siofia Talakai is deemed a 50-50 chance to play due to an ankle injury.
Scans have confirmed Hamlin-Uele suffered a knee cartilage injury in Saturday’s win over South Sydney and the Sharks have not yet ruled out the possibility of surgery, but he is expected to miss multiple weeks depending on the course of treatment.
Despite fears otherwise, Talakai has been cleared of a major ankle injury and is a chance to play the Bulldogs at Shark Park depending on how he trains this week.
Hohepa Puru was named as 18th man last week and is among the options to come onto the bench.
Recently re-signed prop Tom Hazelton hasn’t played since Round 1 in Las Vegas with a minor back issue, but is also an option if deemed fit to return.
—Pamela Whaley