Major Sharks recruit Cameron McInnes has suffered a knee injury that will see the gun forward miss the start of the season.
In a bitter blow for the former St George-Illawarra captain, McInnes is facing up to four weeks out after undergoing a minor operation on the same knee that required reconstructive surgery last year.
Scans taken earlier this week revealed that McInnes required a minor “clean out” of his meniscus after pulling up sore from training.
Revered for his work-ethic and diligence towards training, McInnes was on track to make his comeback from ACL surgery last year and debut for the Sharks in round one against the Raiders on March 11.
However, the injury setback will delay the 28-year-old’s start to the 2022 season.
McInnes is one of three high-profile acquisitions for the Sharks this year with fellow recruits Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes cleared to pull on the club’s colours for the first time.
The star duo are set to be named to play in Cronulla’s pre-season trial match against the Bulldogs at PointsBet Stadium on Monday night.
Having enjoyed a trouble-free pre-season, five-eighth Matt Moylan is expected to be rested from the hitout and saved for the opening round.