Cronulla fullback Matt Moylan has been ruled out of Sunday’s do-or-die NRL clash with Wests Tigers after failing to recover from a hamstring injury.
The Sharks had hoped Moylan would get through training on Saturday morning to play, but has since been excluded from their provisional 19-man squad.
Halfback Shaun Johnson still remains a chance to overcome a quad injury to play, with coach John Morris to see how he pulls up on Sunday morning.
Johnson was a late scratching before last week’s golden-point loss to Canberra, and was initially expected to be long odds to face the Tigers at Leichhardt.
Josh Dugan will now stay at fullback after passing mid-week concussion checks, with no concerns over his availability.
“The longer week has definitely helped Shaun,” said Morris.
“He is still in a little bit of doubt. If he pulls up okay tomorrow I am hopeful (he) will be able to take (his) part in the team.”
So much of the focus around Sunday’s match has been around the Tigers and the fitness of Robbie Farah.
But the game is also important for Cronulla, given they are level on points with the Wests Tigers ahead of what is potentially Paul Gallen’s last game for the club.
Gallen and Farah played together in 13 State of Origins for NSW and six Tests between 2009 and 2016.
“It’s amazing how it all works out,” said Morris.
“They’re good mates. Unfortunately for one of them it’s the last time we will see them go around on a footy field.
“We’ve got to make sure tomorrow isn’t (Gallen)’s last game.”
The match ranks as the biggest regular season game for Cronulla this decade, though Morris wasn’t concerned about any signs of stage fright.
“We’ve got a number of big game players in our side,” he said.
“I think it’s 11 players who have played for their state or country or won a grand final in our side. They won’t be overawed by the occasion.
“I think they’ll thrive in that environment, going to Leichhardt and having everyone against us.
“They are really looking forward to getting there and playing in a fiery atmosphere.”