Nicho Hynes is set to miss Cronulla's elimination final against the Sydney Roosters after receiving a one-game ban from the match review committee.
The former Dally M Medallist was placed on report for a hip drop-style tackle on Marcelo Montoya that left the Canterbury winger unable to finish the Sharks' 24-6 win on Saturday.
What happened?
The incident occurred in the dying minutes at Accor Stadium, with Montoya's ankle becoming caught awkwardly under Hynes' knee.
He needed assistance leaving the field.
Why it matters for Nicho Hynes
Hynes has since received a grade-two dangerous contact charge that would end his season if the Sharks fell to the red-hot Roosters at Shark Park next week.
The halfback would risk missing a second finals game, or the first round of 2026, if he unsuccessfully pleaded his case at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
What comes next?
The club is understood to be considering its options and does not have to enter a plea until midday on Tuesday.
Losing Hynes for the clash with the Roosters would be devastating for the Sharks, who would likely play Daniel Atkinson next to Braydon Trindall in the halves.
Atkinson is rated highly but has started only one game this season, playing second fiddle to Hynes in the win over the Bulldogs as Trindall rested a minor ankle injury.
Hynes also brings valuable on-field leadership, given the Sharks are already entering finals without their injured captain Cameron McInnes.
The Sharks' 24-6 win on Saturday has given them momentum heading into the finals.
But the loss of Hynes would be a significant blow to their chances of progressing.
Cronulla will need to weigh up the risks and benefits of challenging the ban at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.
If they are unsuccessful, Hynes will miss a crucial game and potentially more.
The Sydney Roosters are waiting in the wings, ready to pounce on any weakness in the Sharks' lineup.
They will be confident of taking advantage of Hynes' absence and progressing to the next round of the finals.
The NRL judiciary challenge will be a tense and closely watched affair, with the outcome having significant implications for the Sharks' season.
Hynes' fate will be decided on Tuesday night, and the Sharks will be hoping for a positive outcome.
The club's fans will be anxiously waiting for the decision, knowing that Hynes' presence on the field is vital to their team's success.
They will be hoping that the NRL judiciary takes a lenient view and allows Hynes to take the field against the Roosters.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is on the Sharks to make the right decision.
They will need to carefully consider their options and make a decision that gives them the best chance of success.
The outcome of the NRL judiciary challenge will have a significant impact on the Sharks' season.
If Hynes is cleared to play, they will be confident of taking on the Roosters and progressing to the next round of the finals.
But if he is banned, they will need to regroup and find a way to win without their star halfback.
It will be a tough task, but the Sharks have shown that they are capable of overcoming adversity and achieving success.
The next 24 hours will be crucial for the Sharks, as they wait for the outcome of the NRL judiciary challenge.
They will be hoping for a positive result and the chance to take on the Roosters with Hynes on the field.
The tension is building, and the stakes are high.
The Sharks' fans will be on the edge of their seats, waiting for the decision that will determine their team's fate.