Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf has opened up on his frustrating start to the season as he commences another stint on the sidelines.
The prop is set to miss the next four weeks after picking up a knee injury in last week's victory over the St Goerge Illawarra Dragons and will watch this week's top-of-the-table showdown with the Melbourne Storm from the sidelines.
Rudolf injured his ankle in round three and has already sat out three games this season in a campaign that has challenged him both mentally and physically.
"Every time I get a run of games going, I seem to get injured again," Rudolf told jetwinvip.com. "I'm hoping it's not one of those years but at the moment it has been.
"Luckily we've got blokes like Tom Hazelton now, I think that starting spot's officially his. He's been killing it all year. It's so good to see someone like him and Oregon Kaufusi step up to the plate.
"Along with Cam McInnes, I've got all the faith in the world in them. If I can become an impact player on the bench, as long as we're winning games and I'm part of it, that's all I care about."
All Tries – Sharks v Dragons
Rudolf spent months on the sidelines last year with turf toe and overhauled his lifestyle in the pre-season in an effort to prevent a repeat in 2024.
The 28-year-old has stopped drinking, placed a greater focus on health and recovery and even consulted the head physio at the Australian Ballet for advice on preventing injuries.
The added dedication to ensuring he remains on the field has only made Rudolf more frustrated as he ponders what else he can do to enjoy a clean run of health.
"This year I've tried my best to do everything I can and it's bitten me in the arse," he said. "In years gone by, I'm drinking, having a good time, not stretching, doing zero rehab. This year I've done a full 180 but I can't seem to stay on the field, I'm not sure there's more I can do.
"I'm going to keep grinding away, keep doing whatever I can. It's hard to do my actual work that I was doing in years gone by, not being healthy, but I'll just wait and see and enjoy the ride."
Rudolf's latest injury means he will miss a showdown with the Storm for the second-straight season.
The forward watched form the sidelines in round 15 last year as the Sharks were defeated 54-10 on a disastrous night in Melbourne.
Rudolf said the loss will be discussed this week as Cronulla travel south determined to prove their premiership credentials.
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While they currently sit on top of the table, many have doubted if the Sharks can challenge the Storm, Panthers and Broncos.
That belief could change in the coming weeks, with Cronulla to play Melbourne, the Roosters and Penrith in three successive rounds.
The Sharks know their premiership chances will not be decided throughout the next month, but they are confident this stretch is an opportunity to show they're a different team in 2024.
"We had to grow up as a team," Rudolf said. "We were quite inexperienced the last couple of years, barely any of us had played 100 games. This year we've already had Jack Williams, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Sione Katoa isn't far away, Ronaldo [Mulitalo] isn't far away.
"Quite a few of us are getting our 100s now, there's quite a bit of experience in the team and I think that's showing on the field.
"What [coach Craig Fitzgibbon] has been telling us for three years, we're actually putting it in place finally. Now we're looking to do it in the biggest games and there's no bigger test than Melbourne."