Cronulla are currently sitting in the top four despite being without key playmaker Nicho Hynes for the last two months.
Whilst the Sharks went on a run of five losses in six matches during a dip in form which saw them fall off the top of the ladder, they have recovered well to win four of their last five games to sit two points ahead of the Bulldogs with three regular season fixtures remaining.
Hynes had been in a rut of his own after he was dropped from New South Wales’ side following a disappointing display in the opening State of Origin game last month.
The halfback was replaced by Mitch Moses for Game II in Melbourne, with the Cronulla man going on a poor run of form before his injury in July.
After spending a considerable amount of time on the sidelines, will Hynes be able to return before the finals in September?
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Nicho Hynes injury updates: Diagnosis, latest news for Cronulla Sharks halfback
"It has been confirmed that Nicho has a complete syndesmosis rupture, plus a tibia fracture to his left ankle," the club's Head of Performance, Nathan Pickworth, said.
"He will undergo surgery tomorrow (Wednesday), with an estimated return to the field of approximately eight weeks."
Hynes' injury was a massive blow for Craig Fitzbiggon’s side, as they were in the midst of a poor run of form, but they ended up stabilising and pushing on after his injury.
The Sharks now face bitter rivals St George Illawarra in a huge clash for both teams, with the Dragons looking to return to the finals.
Hynes could potentially return in the final two rounds of the regular season with matches against New Zealand and Manly rounding out their year.
Who will replace Nicho Hynes at halfback for Cronulla Sharks?
Braydon Trindall took over at halfback for the Sharks.
The playmaker has been an ever-present in Fitzgibbon’s side since serving a suspension for off-field matters earlier in the campaign.
He performed well as his hot form helped the Sharks get out of their rut, though he has had injury issues of his own.
He missed the Sharks' last game against Newcastle due to a minor injury, with Daniel Atkinson and Blayke Brailey lining up in the halves as Cronulla secured an important one-point win, with Atkinson scoring the winning field goal in golden point.
