Cronulla Sharks

Second Sharks player could have been red carded

Annesley says he would have been comfortable if centre Jesse Ramien was sent off and his side became the first in two decades permanently reduced to 11 men after the earlier dismissal of Will Kennedy.

The match review committee hit the Sharks pair with identical grade three careless high tackle charges yesterday, with Ramien facing a ban of three-to-four matches and Kennedy two-to-three matches.

Out of ICU, 'grateful' Fifita inspired by injured triathlete for comeback bid

Fifita is up, about and out of the ICU at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital following successful laryngeal surgery - he is expected to make a full recovery and play rugby league again.

The veteran forward met with Leary, the Noosa triathlete hospitalised for over a month by a life-threatening bike crash in July, over the weekend while the pair are both recovering in hospital.

Fifita faces battle to regain spot but not being forced out of club: Morris

Fifita was linked to the Dragons on Tuesday after Morris left the premiership-winning prop out of his game-day 17 for a third consecutive week.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin was coy on the club's interest in Fifita when pressed on Thursday, while Morris insists he had no knowledge the Sharks prop was interested in moving on.

"It's all speculation as far as I can see," Morris said on Friday.

"We've had no approach from Andrew or his management so I'm not going to get drawn into any comment."

Sharks player rebuked for 'offensive and derogatory' comments

In a post-match interview with Fox Sports on Sunday following the Sharks' 32-18 win over St George Illawarra, 25-year-old Rudolf said he would celebrate with "probably about 1,000 beers".

"Go to Northies, try and pull something. Anything will do," Rudolph said, referring to a Cronulla pub.

"No, honestly, it's all about recovery these days. I'll be going straight home, straight to the ice bath and staying very, very quiet."

NRL boss Andrew Abdo told Australian media on Tuesday that while Rudolf was trying to make a joke his comments were "inappropriate".

Sharks set to lock in McInnes on four-year deal

While McInnes's future has been the subject of much consternation over the past month, NRL.com understands the Sharks have snuck under their traditional rivals' nose with a lengthy deal worth around $500,000 a season for the St George Illawarra skipper.

No comment has been made by Cronulla or the Dragons at this stage.

McInnes informed teammates of his departure on Tuesday morning after negotiations with the Sharks began before Christmas.

Cronulla Sharks eye Benji Marshall as replacement for Shaun Johnson

The player market is finally heating up as teams prepare to return to pre-season, even though the NRL has yet to land on a salary-cap figure for next year.

A raft of signings are likely to be confirmed in coming days, including Parramatta’s purchase of Bryce Cartwright.

However, there are other trades being worked on in the background which could have significant implications for next season.

Johnson to back Proctor at NRL judiciary

Proctor became the first player in the NRL's 112-year history to be sent off for biting and the Gold Coast forward will face the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

Proctor will deny the charge but faces a lengthy suspension if found guilty.

Johnson blew up on field over the incident but then later made up with his New Zealand teammate and said he would not pursue the matter.

Johnson has since taken to social media to reiterate his stance and to "clear the air" on the incident which split the rugby league community.

Sharks block Josh Morris' request

Josh Morris, 33, was reported to have requested a move to the Roosters to play alongside his brother Brett.

Sharks coach John Morris confirmed the veteran was considering his options, but ruled out a move for the New South Wales representative.

"There was an enquiry there around Josh's side and I think our fans and members deserve the full truth," he told the NRL website.

Kiwi prospect Fine Kula 'shocked' with support after brain cancer diagnosis

On January 30, the Cronulla Sharks player was diagnosed with grade-four medulloblastoma after complaining of constant headaches earlier in the month. 

On Monday, Kula underwent surgery to install a shunt that will reduce the excess fluid putting pressure on his skull. 

The 21-year-old is expected to return home next week before starting chemotherapy and radiation treatment later this month. 

Sharks bite back to beat Cowboys

The visiting Cowboys led 8-4 at the interval but were undone by two tries in the space of four minutes, as Shaun Johnson played a key role with hands and boot.

The Sharks had won the previous two meetings with the Cowboys and six of the past eight, but they fell behind three minutes in when Scott Drinkwater sprinted clear to score.

Ronaldo Mulitalo levelled after 36 minutes from Johnson's pass, but Matthew Scott restored the Cowboys' advantage just three minutes later, powering through a defensive blockade to spin and dot down just before the interval.