Sharks prey in feeding frenzy

UP TO eight NRL clubs are preparing for a last-minute scramble to finalise their rosters for the 2019 season with a host of off-field issues set to have major ramifications to the player market.

News Corp revealed Parramatta and New Zealand Warriors were among at least two clubs closely monitoring how heavily Cronulla will be fined through salary cap indiscretions.

The Sharks will learn their punishment at an ARL Commission meeting on Thursday, with the club expected to be told to shed a mid-tier player to become cap compliant.

Wests Tigers will learn their fate over a $640,000 salary cap penalty they were hit with over a deal to make Robbie Farah a club ambassador.

St George Illawarra may seek a last-minute addition to their roster should the NRL stand down representative forward Jack de Belin after an ARL Commission meeting on Thursday.

And Manly may be forced onto the open market should centre Dylan Walker, who faces court tomorrow on domestic violence charges, be suspended.

Melbourne have salary cap issues and continue to shop around big prop Sam Kasiano.

Cronulla are bracing for a fine and salary cap penalty of $400,000 to $500,000.

They may be given the opportunity to become cap com- pliant over two years, rather than immediately.

Unless the club can move a player, it is understood star recruit Shaun Johnson will not be allowed to play round one.

The NRL has a “last man-in, first-man out” rule which states the club’s last signing – in this case it is Johnson – cannot play if the club cannot become cap compliant.

It is unlikely but it may push Johnson on to the open market.

More plausible is Cronulla trying to shed a mid-tier player like Jayson Bukuya, Kurt Capewell or Jayden Brailey.

If other clubs fail to sign the player on offer, Cronulla may be forced to look at moving a higher-profile player. Speculation is already surrounding centre Josh Dugan.

Canberra have indicated they would sign halfback Chad Townsend but the Sharks are reluctant to release their grand final-winning No.7.

Wests Tigers are also expected to be fined and be hit with a salary cap breach.

They may not be forced to shed a player given they approved the signing of Robert Jennings from Souths last week. The player signed by Melbourne was skipper Cam Smith. That could mean - although highly unlikely - Melbourne may have to overlook Smith for selection until the club becomes cap compliant.