Cronulla admit losing Andrew Fifita for the rest of the NRL season would be a massive loss but are resolved to not let the saga derail their quest for a top four berth.
The Sharks are under pressure to suspend Andrew and his brother David for the rest of the season after they were banned from Penrith District Junior Rugby League matches for 12 months for abusing a referee.
The pair will learn their fate when they go before the Cronulla board on Thursday night.
Sharks utility Ben Barba described Andrew as one of the form front-rowers of the competition and admitted the saga had been a distraction for the fifth-placed side just out from the finals.