The Sharks’ centres have been key to their success this season, helping the team reach the top four. Cronulla’s strategy, which may hold up against the Panthers this weekend, is built on their back five aggressively running the ball. This group, including Iro, Ramien, wingers Ronaldo Mulitalo and Sione Katoa, and fullback William Kennedy, has consistently averaged over 100 metres per game throughout the season.

Penrith’s success in recent premierships has similarly relied on strong running from their backs, and they are now aiming for a fourth consecutive title, with a fifth straight grand final appearance on the line as they face Cronulla at Homebush on Saturday night.

However, according to reports from *The Sydney Morning Herald*, Cronulla may be without two key players for the match. Ramien, who missed the first week of the finals due to a syndesmosis injury in the final round of the season, returned last week but couldn’t finish the game. He is likely to be ruled out. Iro, who sustained a biceps injury during the match against the Cowboys, is also in a race to be fit, but his status remains uncertain.

Mawene Hiroti has been pulled from the Newtown Jets’ grand final against North Sydney to provide cover for Cronulla if needed. If both centres are out, Siosifa Talakai will be the first replacement, and Daniel Atkinson, who has also been withdrawn from Newtown’s preparations, will come off the bench.

Cronulla will provide an update on their squad 24 hours before the game, offering more clarity on the fitness of Iro and Ramien.

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