Paul Gallen said his shock return from an ankle injury to play for Cronulla in Saturday night's match against the Sydney Roosters was a show of faith in his team's chances of making a charge to the finals – despite being last on the premiership ladder.
"That's what I'm thinking," he said of the Sharks mounting a challenge. "I'm not rushing back from injury for no reason. [Before the Roosters match] there's still 17 games to go . . . we need to win 12 of the 17."
Gallen made it clear Cronulla, who were tipped before the season started to make a big impact on the premiership, had suffered as a result of the team's relentless injury toll.
They were still without World Cup-winning utility player Luke Lewis (shoulder), winger Beau Ryan (neck) and former Australian second-rower Anthony Tupou (knee/hamstring).
"With our roster, we'll get it [going] when we get our players back," Gallen said.
"We still have Tupou, Luke Lewis and Ryan on the sideline and, if you took any three players out of a first-grade team, they're going to struggle and there have been times this season where we've had eight [first-graders] out.
"When we get everyone back, we could get a run on but we know we can't leave it for too much longer.
"It's been a shame because we were [injured] at a time when all of us are at our peak in terms of mental and physical states . . . not being able to play because we've been struck down by injury is pretty hard but it's part of the game, unfortunately."
Gallen, who was not expected back in action until round eight, managed his quicker than expected return from the ankle he injured in the opening round against the Gold Coast after around the clock physiotherapy. He is expected to push to retain his place in the Anzac Test.
It is believed Tupou's return from the knee reconstruction he underwent during the off-season to repair the anterior cruciate ligament he damaged during last year's semi-final victory over North Queensland may have been frustrated when he finished a midweek training session with soreness in his hamstring.
It was understood that before he complained of feeling the soreness he was being considered by coach Peter Sharp to make his return against the defending premiers, the Roosters.
Meanwhile, Lewis was believed to be in line to hit the paddock within the next fortnight after his five-month rehabilitation from the shoulder dislocation he suffered while playing for Australia against Fiji during the Kangaroos' triumphant 2013 World Cup campaign.
Lewis, one of rugby league's best utility players, smashed his shoulder when he crashed into sponsorship signage. He was initially expected to return in round six but the club's medical staff delayed that because they wanted Lewis to undergo extra strength and contact training.
