Cronulla strike weapon Will Kennedy could be sidelined until the NRL finals after undergoing ankle surgery on Monday.
The Sharks announced fullback Kennedy is expected to be out for up to six weeks after suffering the injury late in Saturday's thrilling golden-point win over South Sydney.
The 25-year-old was able to remain on the field as Nicho Hynes nailed the match-winning field goal for the golden point, but subsequent scans showed Kennedy would require surgery.
The Sharks are hoping he can return for their final home-and-away match against Newcastle, or week one of the finals.
The injury puts Lachie Miller, who replaced an injured Kennedy in round 11 and scored a try in their 25-18 win over Gold Coast, in line to play his second NRL match.
Making his transition from rugby sevens this season, Miller has since been forced to bide his time playing for the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup but has impressed for the feeder club.
Kade Dykes is also on the radar of coach Craig Fitzgibbon after being named 18th man against Souths.
