Braydon Trindall is expected back in full-contact training at Ocean Protect Stadium by January after shoulder reconstruction, with his recovery estimated at 16 to 20 weeks.
News Corp reported that the Cronulla playmaker has surgery booked for this week, aiming to be ready for Round 1 of the 2027 season.
He dislocated the shoulder early in Round 24 against Canberra while grounding the ball for a try. The Sharks' medical staff relocated the joint, but Trindall then missed several weeks to rebuild strength.
He returned for the finals, though the shoulder appeared to trouble him across September. Cronulla were eliminated by the Sydney Roosters last weekend after Trindall struggled through the first two finals weeks.
Nicho Hynes was left dizzy after being struck by Salesi Foketi's hip early in the match, leaving Trindall with the main playmaking responsibilities.
Trindall's composed organising and kicking help enable Hynes to attack with the ball, making the halfback central to the Sharks' success.