Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon has contracted COVID-19 and won't oversee their round one match against Canberra on Friday night.
Fitzgibbon tested positive through the week, delaying his NRL debut overseeing the Sharks.
With mild symptoms he is expected to be available for their clash with Parramatta in round two.
Fitzgibbon has handed the reins against the Raiders to his assistant coaches Steve Price and Josh Hannay.
"After a carefully planned pre-season, most of the preparations are complete and we have three more than capable coaches to take care of the group for a couple of days," Fitzgibbon said in a statement a Wednesday.
"Obviously the timing of this isn't ideal, you can take all the precautions as I have in following NRL apollo advice and protocols but with four children at home unfortunately it has caught up with our family at an inopportune time.
"My health is fine and symptoms mild, I look forward to getting back amongst the group next week and I will be in constant communications with the coaches and players."
A member of the premiership-winning Sharks coaching staff in 2016, Price returned to the club after a stint with Warrington in the UK Super League.
Hannay stepped in as interim coach at Cronulla during the 2021 season.
