William Kennedy's contract situation leaves Cronulla weighing its fullback options, with Liam Ison seen as the future but neither player having settled the question.
The Sharks' projected 2028 side also has unfilled places at fullback, number 12 and on the interchange bench.
Craig Fitzgibbon's team reached preliminary finals in 2024 and 2025, but its 2026 campaign ended against the Sydney Roosters in week two.
That result represents a step back, and the club may feel it has not made enough of its opportunities over the past three seasons.
Cronulla still has a strong core, though its squad is moving into a new phase as rival teams improve.
With November 1 approaching, the Sharks face decisions about their roster and what to pursue on the open market.
Improving the forwards is another major task, with the club needing to strengthen that area quickly.