Paul Gallen isn’t the only Cronulla star whose future goes on the line on Sunday, with Cronulla utility Kurt Capewell still in the dark over his time at the NRL club.
As the Sharks prepare for Sunday’s do-or-die clash with the Wests Tigers, Capewell remains without a home for next season.
“I’m still sorting that out, just trying to really focus on obviously making the finals and then playing some good footy from there on in,” Capewell said.
“That other stuff will sort itself out.”
Capewell, the only member of the Sharks’ 21-man squad unsigned for next year, could join a number of players to depart the club at the end of the season.
Jayden Brailey (Newcastle), Sosaia Feki (Super League) and Kyle Flanagan (Sydney Roosters) join the retiring Gallen in what could be their final games for the club.
Capewell’s comments come as speculation mounts over the club’s reunion with former centre Jesse Ramien, who was shown the door by Newcastle this year.
A loss against the Tigers would result in the Sharks missing the finals.
Asked whether he was treating the Tigers game as his last for the club, Capewell said he was merely focused on trying to delay Gallen’s retirement.
“I try and treat every game the same, especially at this end of the season,” he said.
“Obviously I want to get it done personally for Gal. I don’t want this to be his last game, got my good mate Jayden Brailey, he’s leaving the club (too).
“There’s a lot of driving factors behind it, and I’m sure if we all play to our ability, we’ll get the job done.”
Rumours of Ramien’s return has immediately clouded the futures of incumbent centres Josh Dugan and Josh Morris, both of whom have deals for next year.
Dugan, on a reported $800,000, is signed until 2021.
“I love Jesse. At the end of the day it’s all whispers at the moment, hopefully fingers crossed they are true,” Sharks front-rower Andrew Fifita said.
“I watched him grow. We gave him his debut. I just love everything about Jesse Ramien, the way he plays, he’s a star of the future.”