LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Cronulla Sharks are facing a major setback following their shock loss to the Dragons on Saturday, as star player Briton Nikora has been suspended for the remainder of the NRL regular season. The Kiwi second-rower was penalized for a high tackle on Dragons winger Corey Allan during the closing moments of the Sharks' 22-14 defeat.
On Sunday, the NRL match review committee charged Nikora with a grade-two careless high-tackle offense, which results in a four-week suspension due to it being his third offense. Opting for an early guilty plea would reduce his suspension to three games.
With a bye in Round 25, the Sharks have only three fixtures left in the regular season. Thus, even if Nikora accepts the ban, he won't play again this year until the NRL finals. Currently, the Sharks hold the seventh position, but with inconsistent performance, their playoff prospects remain uncertain.
Craig Fitzgibbon's side sits at 28 points after their defeat, just a couple of points ahead of the Dolphins and Roosters, who are vying for the eighth and ninth spots, respectively. The Sea Eagles trail at 24 points, while the Dragons still have a slim chance of competing for the finals with 22 points.
Despite a prior winning streak of four matches, the Sharks' overall form has been shaky, narrowly securing a victory against the last-placed Rabbitohs, 14-12, in Round 21, even with Souths missing several key players due to injuries.
The Sharks might consider contesting Nikora's charge at the NRL judiciary, but if unsuccessful, he would face a four-game suspension, which would also mean missing the first week of the finals-if the team qualifies.
Reflecting on the loss, Fitzgibbon expressed disappointment over missed chances to solidify their position in the top-four, especially given that Cronulla is set to face only one top-eight team in the last five rounds of the regular season and was anticipated to climb into a stronger playoff position.