Craig Fitzgibbon's NRL head coaching debut with Cronulla has been put on hold after he contracted COVID-19.
Fitzgibbon tested positive earlier this week, ruling him out of the Sharks' round-one match against the Raiders at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
He is expected to be available for the Sharks' clash with Parramatta in round two.
"After a carefully planned preseason, most of the preparations are complete and we have three more than capable coaches to take care of the group for a couple of days," Fitzgibbon said in a statement.
"Obviously the timing of this isn't ideal, you can take all the precautions as I have in following NRL [Project] Apollo advice and protocols but with four children at home unfortunately it has caught up with our family at an inopportune time.
"My health is fine and symptoms mild, I look forward to getting back amongst the group next week and I will be in constant communications with the coaches and players."
Fitzgibbon moved to the Sharks as the long-term replacement for John Morris, who departed the club during the 2021 season.
The former NSW State of Origin and Australian representative is highly rated as a coach, having served as an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters.
He has also worked under Brad Fittler with the Blues' State of Origin squad.
Fitzgibbon has handed the reins against the Raiders to his assistant coaches Steve Price and Josh Hannay.
A member of the premiership-winning Sharks coaching staff in 2016, Price returned to the club after a stint with Warrington in the UK Super League.
Hannay stepped in as interim coach at Cronulla during the 2021 season.
AAP/ABC
