Prized recruit Cameron McInnes is getting closer to making his Cronulla debut with coach Craig Fitzgibbon leaving a decision on whether he will front Parramatta until as late as possible.
The former St George Illawarra captain missed all of 2021 after rupturing his ACL and then required additional surgery last month.
But the tough lock is pressing for a recall against the Eels at Cronulla's PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.
Fitzgibbon said McInnes had completed training on Thursday to mount a case for selection.
"He got through today OK and we will get through tomorrow before we make a call on that," Fitzgibbon said.
"He's trained well and we're just going to see how he pulls up.
"He had a little setback but he's come back and bounced out of that really well, but he's still got a few hurdles to jump."
Fitzgibbon described the 28-year-old as the "ultimate competitor" and was excited about the intensity he would bring to their side, beaten by Canberra by five points last week.
"He takes a lot to stop, he's a bit like Dale (Finucane) in a sense where he gives confidence to players inside and outside him.
"You know when he lines up, you know that he's going to give you everything he's got and he can play different positions as well.
"I think the most important thing is everyone knows how he prepares and he plays at an intensity which is what the club needs."
The new Sharks coach was cagey about how he planned to use McInnes and whether he would consider shifting another star signing in Finucane from lock into the front row.
Fitzgibbon tested positive to COVID-19 and was forced to watch the Raiders game from home.
He dialled into the match but assistants Steve Price and Josh Hannay mostly called the shots.
"Im looking forward to it - this time last week there was a sense of guilt, sense of being left out a little bit," Fitzgibbon said.
"I want to watch the guys go about it, see a performance that replicates the preparation we've put in.
"I'm under no illusions - Parramatta are a really strong club and it'll be a fantastic challenge for us but I'm just excited."
