The curse of Cronulla's marquee players could be a blessing in disguise for the Sharks at the end of the NRL season, according to star prop Andrew Fifita.
Just four rounds into the NRL season, six of Cronulla's biggest name players are either out or fighting to be fit for Saturday's clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Already without Wade Graham (knee) and Matt Moylan (hamstring) until midway through the year, the Sharks will now also miss Aaron Woods for three months through a broken foot.
Captain Paul Gallen has been named to return from a rib injury against the Roosters this week, but he, Shaun Johnson (hamstring) and Josh Dugan (lower back) missed training for the Sharks on Tuesday and were only due back late Wednesday.
But with the Sharks known for gaining momentum late in the season and into the finals, Fifita said the high volume of early-season injuries could play into their hands down the track.
"We're still in the top eight," Fifita said.
"I know we have a fair amount of injuries at the moment but the good thing for us is when they come back is when everyone is really pushing themselves.
"We'll have these ultra fresh players ready to roll to the end of the year."
Of the three under an injury cloud for this week, Gallen's fitness seems the most questionable.
He hasn't played since injuring his ribs against North Queensland a fortnight ago, but his presence would be a welcome return in a match-up traditionally won in the middle.
"It comes down to (wanting his) experience," stand-in captain Fifita said.
"Gal is a 300-game veteran, he's done everything in the game. I think he has 20-plus Aussie games and is just one of those quality players you need in the team.
"Just to run the team. He knows a lot and what to say at the right times in play. That comes from experience and he is our captain and how he leads us."
Meanwhile Johnson and Dugan's concerns are considered not as troublesome.
Johnson didn't play in last week's loss to Parramatta but was only a late withdrawal due to quad tightness, and the Sharks still have Kyle Flanagan as a back-up option.
William Kennedy then shapes as the back-up for Dugan at No.1.
