The fourth-placed Sharks spent Sunday morning sweating on scans on halfback Braydon Trindall's hamstring, after he failed to finish the 20-6 win over South Sydney.
Already without star halfback Nicho Hynes until the eve of the finals, it is feared Trindall could have a low-grade hamstring injury after experiencing tightness in the muscle.
Braydon Trindall (l) failed to finish the match against South Sydney, (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
"I've never really done anything like this before, so I'm not too sure what to expect. We'll see how we go," Trindall said.
"It felt like a little cramp. It feels alright now. Fingers crossed."
The Sharks do have options to come in and partner Daniel Atkinson in the halves, but none are ideal.
Former Penrith junior Niwhai Puru could be an option to debut, after impressing for Newtown in their recent run of four wins from their past five games in NSW Cup.
Reserve-grade hooker Jayden Berrell could also slot into the role, while centre Mawene Hiroti could theoretically move to No.6 with Atkinson at No.7.
But it is Brailey who would provide the Sharks with a cool head and experience at No.7, as Cronulla desperately seek to regain form ahead of the finals.
"It's not my preferred spot, but whatever is best for the team, I am happy to do. If that's in the halves or whatever, I am happy to play there," Brailey said.
"I actually came through the grades playing halves. It wasn't until under-18s that I stopped.
"It's been a couple of years now. I am sure I will have a bit of training this week. It's going to be an interesting week."
Brailey did play halfback for Cronulla in their win over Melbourne earlier this year, with Cameron McInnes acting as dummy-half that night.
And if he had to do it again, Brailey said there were similarities he could carry across from his normal role of hooker.
"They are pretty similar in their own right, you're controlling the team there.
"You have middles (opposing you) at No.9, you just have to work the edges more and a few more different plays you have to come up with.
"It's more defensively, that is the big change. Going from having middles that just run straight at you, to some dynamic edges who make it pretty hard."
Trindall's injury came as Cronulla were again scrappy in the first half against the Rabbitohs, before finding their defence after the break and getting out of trouble.
Cronulla have now won three of their last nine, as they fight to hang on to fourth spot from the chasing pack.
"(Trindall's fitness) is obviously big for us. With Nicho out, Tricky stepped up. And now the thought of him not being there really hurts our side," Brailey said.
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