Cronulla are weighing up the most important decision of their NRL season as star halfback Nicho Hynes faces suspension from their do-or-die finals clash against the Sydney Roosters.
The Sharks have until midday on Monday to decide whether to fight the one-match ban Hynes received on Sunday for the hip-drop style tackle that injured Canterbury's Marcelo Montoya on Saturday.
Montoya appears highly unlikely to play in the Bulldogs' qualifying final against Melbourne after his ankle became caught under the knee of Hynes, who was placed on report late in the Sharks' win.
Hynes' grade-two dangerous contact charge would end his season if the Sharks fall to the red-hot Roosters at Shark Park next weekend.
But if he takes his case to the judiciary, Hynes would risk missing a second finals game should the Sharks defeat the Roosters and progress to face either Canberra or Brisbane.
Hynes could escape suspension and cop a $1000 fine if the fifth-placed Sharks successfully seek a downgrade at the judiciary on Tuesday.
As of Sunday afternoon, the Sharks were still considering their options.
Losing Hynes for the clash with the Roosters would be devastating for the Sharks, who would likely play Daniel Atkinson next to Braydon Trindall in the halves.
Niwhai Puru would also have been an option to come into the halves but he suffered a pectoral injury playing reserve grade on the weekend.
Atkinson is rated highly but has started only one game this season, playing second fiddle to Hynes in Saturday's 24-6 win while Trindall rested a minor ankle injury.
He has started next to Trindall in the Sharks' halves six times before, most recently in round 25 last season.
Hynes' possible suspension puts a damper on an excellent preparation for finals from the Sharks, who have long fielded criticism for their record in playoff games.
Cronulla have lost eight of their past nine finals games dating back to 2018, last year's semi-final defeat of North Queensland their only victory in that span.
But the win over the third-placed Bulldogs sounded a warning shot to the NRL, marking the Sharks' seventh win from eight games ahead of finals.
The Sharks also defeated their upcoming opponents the Roosters during their charmed run of form.
Cronulla are set to regain Briton Nikora for the finals rematch after the second-rower completed his three-game suspension for a high tackle.
