Off-contract Sharks favourite eyes NRL expansion move
George Clarke |
Cameron McInnes hopes to have clarity on his future in the coming weeks admitting the prospect of being a foundation player at an NRL expansion club appeals to him.
Eight months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), McInnes marked his return for the Sharks from the bench in last Friday’s 46-34 loss to North Queensland.
The 32-year-old is without a deal beyond the end of this season and his form for the Sharks (3-4), who host Wests Tigers on Sunday, will dictate the demand for his services.
McInnes has previously been linked to the Perth Bears who enter the NRL in 2027, followed by the PNG Chiefs the year after.
“Any team that will allow me to play NRL, that’s the priority,” McInnes said.
“If you look at those types of historic (things) – I’m sure the money is obviously a factor for everyone but it’s also cool to be part of an expansion club.
“That could (hold appeal) if that was an opportunity.”
McInnes wants to know where his future lies sooner rather than later.
He is also smart enough to know Cronulla – with 14 players coming off contract this season – are going to have to make some tough decisions over how their salary cap shapes up.
During his time on the sideline, McInnes’ grip on the Sharks’ starting lock berth has been taken by Jesse Colquhoun.
“That’s probably why it’s hard for me to a get a contract here, isn’t it?,” McInnes said.
“There’s an old saying from Brett Favre (former NFL quarterback) of the Green Bay Packers, ‘if you don’t give your spot up, they can never sign someone in your place’.
“That’s happened to me and he (Colquhoun) has been outstanding.
“…I’d love to stay here, but I’m also aware of the circumstances with the club.”
McInnes said his rapid recovery from his second ACL tear was made possible due to the fact – unlike his first which he sustained at St George Illawarra in 2021 – he suffered no cartilage damage.
The Cronulla warhorse said the club’s rehab physiotherapist Dean Zalunardo had kept him sane and on track to return for last week’s disappointing loss to the Cowboys.
“His demeanour, it’s really important when you’re in long-term rehab the person that’s running that show is almost as much a psychologist,” said McInnes.
“If their mood is high, you will be more productive and you will be engaged and he was outstanding.
“I remember the last time when I made my comeback in ’22 I was really overwhelmed it was like a sensory overload, whereas this time I was like, ‘yeah I’m grateful to be back and enjoy myself’.”
AAP