Cronulla has been dealt a blow ahead of its clash against Manly with captain Trent Barrett succumbing to his shoulder injury.
Tim Smith, Scott Porter and Albert Kelly are among the candidates to replace the New South Wales captain at five-eighth, with a decision on the final 17 not expected to be made until an hour before kick-off.
Sharks winger Blake Ferguson will also miss the clash after failing to recover from a rib injury he suffered in last weekend's match against the Knights.
Isaac Gordon, who will make an early return from a hamstring injury, will replace Ferguson on the wing.
John Morris (knee) and Kade Snowden (illness) still remain a 50-50 chance of taking the field.