Cameron McInnes is set to make his return for the Cronulla Sharks this Sunday, May 3, 2026, as they take on the Wests Tigers at Ocean Protect Stadium in Sydney. After a long recovery from an ACL injury, McInnes will don the number 13 jersey, bringing hope to a team that recently suffered a disappointing loss.
The Sharks faced a tough defeat against the Cowboys, finishing with a score of 46-34. In contrast, the Wests Tigers come into this match with momentum after defeating the Raiders 33-14. The stakes are high for both teams as they vie for crucial points in the NRL standings.
Key player updates:
- Cameron McInnes will start in the number 13 jersey for the Sharks.
- Addin Fonua-Blake expressed frustration with their recent performance but believes improvement is within reach: “We’re not happy with how we are playing at the moment, but we fix a few things and wins aren’t far away.”
- The Wests Tigers will see Tristan Hope starting at hooker and Sunia Turuva moving to fullback.
- Api Koroisau is suspended and will miss three matches.
McInnes shared his excitement about returning to play, saying, “For me, how much I missed footy, it was great to get back out there playing. I enjoyed myself, although the result wasn’t what I wanted or we wanted.” His presence could be pivotal in turning around the Sharks’ fortunes.
The Sharks have an enviable home record at Shark Park, which could give them an edge against a strong Wests Tigers side currently sitting third on the NRL ladder. Cameron McInnes acknowledged this challenge: “They’re going in really good places, but it’s also a great challenge for us coming off a performance we’re not proud of; we know they’re not going to give us anything—we’ll have to earn everything we get.”
This matchup promises to be intense as both teams look to establish their positions in the league. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:05 PM, and fans are eager to see how McInnes’s return impacts the Sharks’ strategy against their rivals.
