Cronulla expect to have Shaun Johnson to be fit for next week’s bumper clash with Penrith despite the Sharks halfback carrying a minor groin niggle.
Johnson endured one of the more dramatic days of his career in Saturday’s 30-18 win over Gold Coast, before ending it up the tunnel injured.
He required tablets to treat stomach cramps mid-match, and then blew up after he was allegedly bitten by Kiwi teammate and Gold Coast captain Kevin Proctor.
The Sharks half then opted not to make a formal complaint and said he wouldn’t pursue the case at the judiciary, despite Proctor being sent off.
But the bigger concern for Sharks coach John Morris will be the fitness of his star half.
The 29-year-old leads the NRL this year for try assists with 20, and given Chad Townsend’s absence Cronulla will desperately need him against the ladder leaders.
“I think (he’ll play),” Morris said.
“They’re not too concerned. He may need some scans during the week.
“He had a tight groin at the back end of that game we were managing. He was also quite crook early in the game.
“He did well to stay out there … Towards the end he couldn’t kick, but he’s okay at the moment.”
Johnson again set up two tries in the win, including a pinpoint perfect kick for Sione Katoa that started the rot in the second half against a 12-man Titans.
Josh Dugan also limped from the field late with a knee injury, but it’s hoped that is just a knock and he too will be able to face the Panthers.
Friday’s clash shapes as a crucial one for the Sharks.
They are yet to beat a fellow top-eight team this year, and were pummelled 56-24 by the Panthers just five weeks ago.
But a win at Panthers Stadium would entrench them in a finals-paying position, after being under immense pressure just two months ago.
“They’re going great, nine in a row and setting records out there,” Morris said.
“They are near full strength and they smacked us last time. We don’t need any reminding about how good of a team they are. We saw it first hand.
“We like going out, a couple of local guys in Wade Graham and Matt Moylan. They’ll be up for a big game.”
