Cronulla have won four of their past five matches and remain in with a chance of earning a place in the top four.
However, they will have to recover from the loss of inspirational leader Cameron McInnes, who suffered an ACL injury during their most recent match against the Gold Coast.
Craig Fitzgibbon's side will be confident of grabbing the two competition points this weekend as they host the embattled Newcastle Knights.
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Cronulla Sharks NRL game this week
The Sharks will face the Knights at Sharks Stadium on Sunday, August 31 at 2:00pm (AEST).
Sharks confirmed team list for Round 26
1. William Kennedy
2. Sione Katoa
3. Mawene Hiroti
4. KL Iro
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo
6. Braydon Trindall
7. Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Blayke Brailey
10. Toby Rudolf
11. Billy Burns
12. Teig Wilton
13. Jesse Colquhoun
14. Hohepa Puru
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Thomas Hazelton
17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
18. Daniel Atkinson
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Jayden Berrell
21. Sam Stonestreet
22. Niwhai Puru
Sharks latest team news:
Cronulla will return refreshed off the bye and ready to pile more misery onto Newcastle as they remain in the fight for a top four finish.
The Sharks have been handed a major boost in the backline, with KL Iro returning from a long-term pec injury. He takes his place in the centres, with Sifa Talakai reverting to the bench.
However, it's not all good news on the injury front for Craig Fitzgibbon after the coach watched Cameron McInnes suffer an ACL injury during the Sharks' most recent match. He has been replaced by Jesse Colquhoun at lock.
Briton Nikora still has time left to serve of his suspension, so Billy Burns gets the nod in the backrow once again.
Braden Hamlin-Uele was a late withdrawal against the Gold Coast in Round 24, but returns to replace Tuku Hau Tapuha on the bench.
Oregon Kaufusi has missed the last few matches due to a calf injury and remains out of contention. Jesse Ramien will also not return to the fold until the finals after suffering a thumb injury.