Captain Paul Gallen will miss the game through suspension while back rowers Wade Graham and Jayson Bukuya will be given the weekend off to overcome niggling injuries ahead of the finals in Sharks team changes for their match against the Raiders on Sunday.
While coach Shane Flanagan is no doubt travelling to Canberra in search of a win, his focus to an extent shifts to the first week of finals in two weeks time, hence his decision not to risk Graham and Bukuya in the Raiders clash.
Along with Gallen, who misses just one week, the pair are almost certain to be back on deck for week one of the finals the following weekend.
The experienced and capable Chris Heighington comes off the interchange bench and into the starting team in place of the skipper, while Anthony Tupou also moves from the bench into jersey 12 to replace Graham.
Bryce Gibbs and Tyrone Peachey have been added to the 17-man squad for the game which kicks off in Canberra at 7.00pm Sunday.
Todd Carney, after missing the loss to the Cowboys with hamstring soreness, has been named to return at five eighth against Canberra, with his fitness to be assessed during the week.
By game time this weekend the Sharks will know how much bearing the result has on their position in the top eight, with a Bulldogs win in their last round match on Friday meaning regardless of the outcome of the Raiders game the Cronulla side will finish their season in sixth.
A Bulldogs loss would present the Sharks with an opportunity to finish fifth should they register a victory over Canberra.
The game is scheduled for a 7.00pm kickoff on Sunday at Canberra Stadium, with the NYC match set down to start at 4.45pm.
NRL Round 26
Sharks v Raiders
Canberra Stadium
Sunday, September 8 - Kickoff – 7.00pm1 Michael Gordon
2 Sosaia Feki
3 Ben Pomeroy
4 Jonathan Wright
5 Beau Ryan
6 Todd Carney
7 Jeff Robson
8 Andrew Fifita
9 John Morris
10 Sam Tagataese
11 Luke Lewis
12 Anthony Tupou
13 Chris Heighington
INTERCHANGE
14 Isaac De Gois
15 Tyrone Peachey
16 Ben Ross
17 Bryce Gibbs
Source: http://www.sharks.com.au/news-display/Gallen-Graham-Bukuya-out-of-Canberra-clash/83605
Topic: NRL Team List: Sharks lose three stars for trip to Canberra
