With their NRL top-four hopes on the line, Cronulla are bullish about having James Maloney back in the next fortnight.
Star playmaker Maloney suffered a broken hand in last week's win over South Sydney in what was expected to be a bitter blow to the premiers' chances of going back-to-back.
He was was expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines however coach Shane Flanagan is talking up his chances of being back in two weeks.
The loss of the NSW State of Origin five-eighth for an extended period would have thrown a massive hurdle in front the Sharks with Fa'amanu Brown to slot into five-eighth against the Warriors on Friday.
Maloney is expected to be back for a crunch block of three games starting in round 23 when they face Brisbane, North Queensland and Sydney Roosters in consecutive weeks.
With all three of those sides in the hunt for a top-four finish, and two bites at the cherry, it shapes as a season-defining period for Cronulla.
"Every game is a big game from here on and James' goal-kicking is important, he's an integral part and a big-game player," Flanagan said.
"Surprisingly, it's only a two-week injury, as soon as the wound heals up he's able to play. It's a good one, he might only miss two games."
The Sharks go into their round-21 clash against the Warriors in third spot and with their season in the balance.
They're learning from the past - two years ago they lost their last game of the regular season against Manly to miss the top four and were bundled out the second week of the finals.
Last year they entered September in third and with a head full of steam on their way to a maiden premiership.
Asked if his side needed to be in the top four to win the competition, Flanagan said: "It definitely gives you an advantage.
"History shows not many sides have come out of the bottom half of the draw. Eventually it will happen, sides will get some form and consistency and hit the finals from outside the top four but I'd rather it not be us."
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