The Sharks’ thumping 54-22 victory over the Gold Coast Titans has come at a huge cost with Cam McInnes sustaining a knee injury just 20 minutes into the contest.
The Sharks skipper left the field and later appeared with his knee heavily iced in the sheds, with cameras capturing an emotional exchange between McInnes and star half Nicho Hynes.
In his post-match press conference, coach Craig Fitzgibbon was asked for an update on his inspirational leader.
While Fitzgibbon did not reveal the full extent of the injury, with scans still required, he admitted it was “not looking good.”
When pressed on whether the injury could be season-ending, Fitzgibbon’s short and downbeat reply was: “Yep.”
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During the halftime broadcast, Fox Sports’ Braith Anasta suggested it may be an ACL injury after footage showed a non-contact incident to McInnes’ knee.
If scans confirm an ACL tear, it would not only end McInnes’ 2025 campaign but also place him in doubt for most of the 2026 season.
It is a devastating blow for a Sharks outfit already battling inconsistent form and heavy injury tolls, with season-ending setbacks to both Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro in the centres.
McInnes’ leadership, toughness, and inspirational work ethic will be near impossible to replace, especially with finals footy not yet guaranteed for Cronulla.
The victory itself was a dominant return to form, with Hynes starring as he crossed for two tries and had a hand in several others while fill-in centre Mawene Hiroti impressed.
Both wingers, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa, crossed for doubles as the Sharks’ backline tore apart a hapless Titans defense.
Despite the emphatic win, celebrations in the Shire will be short-lived as all eyes now turn to the scans that will determine the seriousness of McInnes’ knee injury.
At best, there is a slim chance he could return for the finals should Cronulla qualify, but early signs suggest even that outcome may be unlikely for the Sharks skipper.