Missing Matt Moylan sidelined with a hamstring strain, Wade Graham continuing his recovery from knee surgery and with Paul Gallen and Shaun Johnson late withdrawals last weekend, the Sharks injury issues were compounded with confirmation of a foot fracture suffered by Aaron Woods.
The official diagnosis is a ‘Jones fracture’ to Woods’ foot, meaning he could be out of action for up to three months.
Coupled with the other injury concerns, the loss of Woods will see the forward depth at the Sharks tested ahead of their clash with the Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.
Graham and Moylan will be unavailable for extended periods, while the status of Gallen and Johnson remains unknown, with coach John Morris yesterday saying while he was hopeful of having them available, the pair were rated only 50-50 chances of playing the Roosters this weekend.
In relation to Josh Dugan, who was inconvenienced at various times during the loss to the Eels, initially for a head injury assessment after being taken out off the ball by his Parramatta opponent, then later with a lower back issue, the classy fullback/centre is hopeful of being fit to tackle the Roosters.
The experienced Ava Seumanfagai and Kiwi Braden Uele will be amongst those to come into contention to replace Woods in the Sharks forward pack.
The Sharks will name their 21-man squad to play the Roosters on Saturday at 4.00pm today.
