New South Wales star a notable omission as his side prepares to tackle Manly.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has opted not to risk an early return for five-eighth Todd Carney after naming his side to tackle the Manly Sea Eagles in round six.
Carney left the field late in the first half against St George Illawarra two weeks ago, with the initial prognosis for his ankle injury being a fortnight.
However, Flanagan has entrusted last week’s halves pair of Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend to get the job done against opposite numbers Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Chris Heighington is out for the Sharks with Sam Tagataese and Mark Taufua added to the side while Matthew Wright and Jonathan Wright will play NSW Cup and Nathan Stapleton and Stewart Mills have been retained in the backline.
Manly coach Geoff Toovey has named an unchanged side for the clash, which will also see the sides compete for the Steve Rogers Trophy.
The clash is also commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1973 grand final between the two clubs, which saw the Sea Eagles come out on top 10-7 in a brutal game, with the celebrations part of the NRL’s Heritage Week.
Sea Eagles: Brett Stewart, Jorge Taufua, Jamie Lyon (c), Steve Matai, David Williams, Kieran Foran, Daly Cherry-Evans, Brenton Lawrence, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Anthony Watmough, Justin Horo, Tom Symonds. Interchange: Richard Fa’aoso, Joe Galuvao, Jamie Buhrer, Jason King (c)
Sharks: Michael Gordon, Nathan Stapleton, Ben Pomeroy, Stewart Mills, Beau Ryan, Chad Townsend, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Ben Ross, Luke Lewis, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (c). Interchange: Jayson Bukuya, Isaac De Gois, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagataese, Mark Taufua
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