Cronulla’s run to the finals has hit turbulence, with Jesse Ramien ruled out for up to six weeks after suffering a broken thumb.
The injury sidelines the strike centre at the same time the Sharks are already without Briton Nikora, who begins a three-game suspension for a high tackle in last week’s defeat to the Dragons.
Ramien’s absence forces a reshuffle, with Mawene Hiroti drafted into the starting side. In the forwards, Billy Burns comes into the second row to replace Nikora, while Braden Hamlin-Uele shifts to the bench to accommodate Toby Rudolf’s promotion to the run-on side.
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Injuries mount, but reinforcements return
Oregon Kaufusi remains unavailable due to a calf injury, but coach Craig Fitzgibbon has welcomed back Jesse Colquhoun from suspension.
Colquhoun is joined on the interchange by Daniel Atkinson and Tom Hazelton, while Tuku Hau Tapuha, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Jayden Berrell and Chris Vea’ila make up the extended bench.
Saturday’s match at PointsBet Stadium will serve as the second half of a double-header, with the NRLW sides facing off beforehand.
The Titans bring back key forwards Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika for the 3 pm NRL kick-off, adding to the challenge for a Sharks outfit suddenly light on frontline experience.