Despite starting the season with as many as four options at hooker, the Sharks will now struggle to find a recognised dummy-half in time for their next game against the Roosters.
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After Jayden Brailey was rushed to hospital with a likely broken jaw during yesterday's loss to Manly, Cronulla turned to a long-forgotten Daniel Mortimer who despite finally getting some game time will leave the club this week.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan confirmed post-game Mortimer had signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Leigh Centurions in the English Super League.
"He's getting to that point of his career where he's got an opportunity to head there for two-and-a-half years over there, and we're giving him that opportunity to take it up," Flanagan said."
"We'll battle on, we've got a plan.
"We'll be okay."
Despite Flanagan's reassurances, Cronulla will now struggle to find a fully-fledged replacement at dummy-half with James Segeyaro not expected to return from injury until Round 19 and Manaia Cherrington released to the Warriors earlier this month.
The hooker shortage will likely see Fa'amanu Brown, who's more familiar in the halves, fill in at dummy-half with second-rower Joseph Paulo's name also thrown into the ring.
Cronulla Under 20's hooker Blayke Brailey and reserve grade's Kurt Kara could also potentially be in line for a promotion but with no first grade appearances between them Flanagan may prefer sticking with someone more experienced even if they aren't familiar with the position.
