Cronulla's hopes of clinging onto their prized top-four spot have been dealt a blow with enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake copping a suspension.
Fonua-Blake was on Monday handed a one-game ban if he gives an early guilty plea for a careless high tackle on St George Illawarra forward Hamish Stewart during the Sharks' upset 24-16 loss on Sunday.
If he decides to appeal the decision and is found guilty at a hearing, the 30-year-old will miss two games.
The ban comes a crucial juncture of the Sharks' campaign as they face Canberra on Saturday before taking on North Queensland, Gold Coast and Melbourne to round out the regular season.
After the shock loss to the Dragons, they are now equal on points with the fifth-placed Dolphins (32), and only lead on the ladder by for-and-against.
Victory in all four of their remaining clashes will be crucial for Cronulla's hopes of securing a qualifying final berth, as a loss would not only risk the team dropping out of the top four, but also dash any ambitions to climb into the top two.
Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh will be available to take on the Sharks, only receiving a fine after making a brain-snap decision to slap Newcastle's Dane Gagai, which contributed to the Green Machine losing 30-24, virtually ending their finals hopes.
