Sharks forward Jack Williams will miss the remainder of the 2022 season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction on Thursday.
The surgery was successful, however his rehab and recovery will involve a five month process, with Williams to rejoin the main Sharks NRL squad for the 2023 pre-season.
Williams had played six games for the Sharks this year, his last appearance coming in round 10.
A return to the field in 2022 was thought to be a possibility, however further issues with his shoulder meant immediate surgery was required to repair the damage and have him fully fit to resume his career next season.
Originally from Cooma, Williams arrived at the Sharks in 2017, after a junior career at the Raiders, before making his NRL debut in 2018. Recently re-signed through until the end of the 2024 season, Williams has played 75 top grade games for the Cronulla club.
In other injury news, other than bumps and bruises stemming from a physical encounter with the Melbourne Storm, the Sharks reported no further injury concerns.
Braden Hamlin-Uele, who like Williams was recently re-signed on a multi-year deal, came through his comeback match with a clean bill of health. Hamlin-Uele had been sidelined since round six with a pectoral injury.
Toby Rudolf and Nicho Hynes, both missing from the Sharks win over the Storm due to Covid, are expected to be available to face the Cowboys in Townsville next Friday night.