Cameron McInnes expressed concern that the NRL might prevent Cronulla from hosting a final at Shark Park, noting that players are accustomed to sudden changes from the league.
Despite being out of form as finals approach, the Sharks, positioned fifth, are set to compete in a week-one elimination match against either South Sydney, North Queensland, or Newcastle.
However, the condition of Shark Park, which has the lowest capacity in the league at 15,000, has raised questions about its eligibility for finals.
The NRL benefits from ticket sales for finals, leading to financial losses if games are moved to larger venues like Allianz Stadium or Accor Stadium.
Shark Park has hosted week-one finals in 2022, 2023, and 2025 but has been deemed unsuitable for later weeks.
The league is expected to finalize venue decisions after round 27 concludes this Sunday and has previously reminded clubs about its discretion over finals locations.
For McInnes, who may play his final match at Shark Park against Melbourne this Saturday, the possibility of relocating is disheartening.
"I was under the impression the rule was if you earn a home semi, whether you're first or second, or fifth or sixth, you get to play it at your home. the home is Shark Park," he said.
"I don't know if that was a rule change that they can just put in, but then again, the NRL changes rules all the time. Rule changes just happen at the drop of a hat now, don't they? So as a player, you just have to adapt."
The league most recently tested a change to the kick-off rule during Melbourne's game with Brisbane last week, and has introduced several modifications since the start of the decade.
These include six-agains, 20/40 kicks, two-point field goals, and captain's challenges.
McInnes criticized ongoing changes, stating, "How much do you need to change? I understand at the end of the day, it's entertainment, I get it. But it's like someone's constantly sitting there going, 'The game's going really well, but now let's change something else.'"
He lamented the inconsistency around ruck penalties, which also creates challenges for referees.
"When you bring that (six-again rule) in, I get it, to speed the game up and have the speeds to score long-range tries with fatigue, but it also creates an inconsistency in the game," he said.
"(It's) hard for the refs, isn't it? Because it's so subjective. If someone gets hit in the face and is offside, that's clear as day, but with the six-agains, it's just sort of a lottery."