The special bond driving Sharks duo through injury torment

"It's been really tough but I'm lucky I've had a good support network at the club with the boys and my family," Colquhoun told NRL.com. "It can always be a lot worse. I look at my teammates and Kade has had a rough trot so it doesn't make me feel as bed. 

"Each time I take the field I try and do it for him because it could always be worse. 

"Kade was one of the people who supported me. We spent a lot of quality time with each other and went through a lot of dark times together. He's been a big factor along with all the boys, they're all great supporting the injured crew."

Colquhoun's return to the NRL during Magic Round was the latest step in an arduous three-year journey that began when he fractured his foot during the 2023 pre-season. 

The youngster returned to feature in six first grade matches at the back end of the campaign before he fractured his foot again in the 2024 pre-season. 

Colquhoun worked his way back to full fitness, only to rupture his ACL in his first and only NRL match of the year. 

It's not where the forward, or the Sharks, hoped he would be three years after he made his debut in 2022 amid a wave of excitement as one of the hottest young talents in the game. 

The youngster admits there were some dark times throughout the period but is glad to have come out the other side.

"I wasn't upset [when I tore my ACL], I wasn't crying it was just disbelief," Colquhoun said. "I had worked so hard to get myself back in a really good position and I felt like I was on the right track to finish off the year strong, only for that to happen.

"It was pretty dark, but it could always be worse. I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel and I had a key goal in sight. I'm glad I'm back and now there's no looking back."

Colquhoun has made an impact off the bench in Cronulla's past two wins over Parramatta and Manly, impressing captain Cam McInnes with his ability to instantly find his feet after such a long layoff. 

The Sharks skipper is eager for the 23-year-old to enjoy a sustained run in the NRL and backed Colquhoun to play a key role in the side's quest for a premiership. 

"Being through a knee [reconstruction] myself, I know how hard it is to come back and find your feet," McInnes said. "He had two weeks in reserve grade and then last week I thought he was outstanding in his first game back. 

"He's such a level-headed kid, very talented and he's got a bright future. We just need to keep him on the field and keep working hard."

Now he's back on the paddock, Colquhoun has turned his focus to maintaining his place in a Sharks pack spearheaded by off-season recruit Addin Fonua-Blake.

The prop has rocketed into contention for the buy of the season by setting the tone up front and leads the league in post-contact metres. 

Edge forward Briton Nikora has been outstanding while Billy Burns has been superb while filling in for Teig Wilton.

Cronulla will face another big test this weekend when they host Melbourne in their first match at Sharks Stadium since Round 4. 

Such is the depth within the squad, Fitzgibbon faces a number of tough selection decisions with Wilton a chance of returning from a shoulder injury that's sidelined him since Round 7. 

Colquhoun has enjoyed the competition for spots and declared his desire to maintain his place in the NRL side.

"We all know Fitzy doesn't give away jerseys," he said. "You've got to earn your spot. That was in the back of my mind the whole time and made me work as hard as I could. 

"When I was at training, even away from training, I was doing all the little things right. It was definitely at on my mind. 

"Coming back into this side gives me a lot of confidence but it also makes me lift my game. You can't be lacking in any department, there are strong boys coming in behind you so it gives me a lot of confidence to earn my place here."