Manly star Jorge Taufau is set to make his long awaited return from a shoulder injury against Cronulla on Sunday.

The tackle busting wing three-quarter wasn’t named in coach Geoff Toovey’s side for the Brookvale Oval clash but he will likely take his place in the Sea Eagles side for the first time this season.

Taufua’s return is a timely boost for Manly as they look to put last week’s disappointing loss to Wests Tigers behind them, one of the club’s most forgettable performances in recent memory.

The unlucky Peta Hiku is likely to make way for Taufua on the left wing.

“All the rehab’s gone well so it’s just up to Tooves to put me out there and see how I go,” Taufua said earlier this week.

“I’m available, so it’s up to Tooves if he picks me.

“A few boys have been playing really well but I’m available if he picks me.”

“It’s been a tough few weeks watching but I can’t wait to get out there with the boys for the first game for me. I’m excited.”

Glenn Stewart also returns for Manly after missing the Tigers clash with an ankle injury.

Star Sharks five-eighth Todd Carney will take his place in the visitors side after being sent home from training on Thursday with a “mystery illness”.

Cronulla enjoyed their first win of the season last week, a 37-6 thrashing of the troubled Warriors.

But the Sharks will have to put a terrible record at Brookvale Oval behind them to score two successive wins.

Cronulla have enjoyed just five wins from 36 matches at the iconic venue since they entered the first grade competition in 1967.