Ankle strain keeps Barba out for two weeks

Cronulla utility Ben Barba will miss two NRL games with an ankle strain he suffered against Melbourne.

Cronulla utility Ben Barba will miss two NRL games with an ankle strain. (AAP)

Cronulla have lost one of their strike weapons with utility Ben Barba to miss the next two weeks with an ankle strain.

The former Dally M winner suffered the injury after coming on late in the side's 30-2 NRL loss to Melbourne at Remondis Stadium on Monday night.

He is expected back for the side's crunch final round match against Manly, who are fighting to get into the top eight.

Cronulla dropped to sixth with their loss to the Storm.