LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Early mail: Kaufusi set for Sharks call-up; Storm, Broncos stars to return

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has announced that Oregon Kaufusi, an international player from Samoa, will step in for Tom Hazelton in the upcoming match against the Storm this Friday, which is crucial for securing a spot in the grand final.

Fitzgibbon faced a tough decision regarding who to start in Saturday's semi-final against the Raiders. Initially, he chose Hazelton after Kaufusi sustained a calf injury during the Round 22 victory against the Cowboys.

Unfortunately for Hazelton, he was ruled out just four minutes into the game due to a Category 1 head injury, which will keep him from playing in the preliminary final in Melbourne due to the NRL's 11-day concussion stand-down policy.

Despite the setback with Hazelton, Fitzgibbon is confident in bringing back Kaufusi, who had participated in every game prior to his injury, alongside the Round 27 match and last week's elimination final against the Roosters.