Sharks v Rabbitohs: Kennedy back on deck; Murray set to return

The Cronulla Sharks are eager to ensure a winning return to PointsBet Stadium as they fight to remain inside the top four when they host South Sydney on Saturday. 

The Sharks fell to fourth on the ladder with a 30-22 loss to North Queensland in Townsville last Saturday night. They now sit just two points clear of the Bulldogs and Cowboys who are fifth and sixth respectively. 

After bursting out of the gates at the start of the season, Cronulla have endured a lean couple of months and have won just two of their last eight matches. 

Given the importance of finishing inside the top four and securing a second chance in the first week of the finals, Saturday's match shapes as a crucial opportunity to return to form. 

The stakes are also high for South Sydney as they look to keep their slim finals hopes alive. 

The Rabbitohs top-eight chances took a blow last Sunday night with a 32-12 loss to the Raiders. The defeat came at a cost with Alex Johnston suffering an Achilles injury early in the match.

The winger's injury could see Richard Kennar back in the side after missing the clash with a head knock, while Cameron Murray is also set to return after serving a two-week ban for his involvement in a melee during the State of Origin decider.

South Sydney fell to 15th on the ladder after last week's loss however they remain four points outside the eight and can still play finals football if they reel off a string of victories during the final six rounds of the season.