Sharks coach Josh Hannay claims Will Chambers was dropped 'purely on form' and not sledging

Cronulla Sharks interim coach Josh Hannay says the decision to axe veteran Will Chambers for the club's match with Newcastle this weekend was made strictly on form and not sledging.

Chambers, during Cronulla's loss to New Zealand last weekend, getting into a number of verbal exchanges with Warriors players, at one stage creating a flashpoint with Kane Evans let his emotions get the better of him by lashing out at the Cronulla centre. responding with two punches.

Since then, the off-contract former Storm star has come under fire for his antics on the field and was even investigated by the NRL over whether he crossed the line in terms of what was said on the field.

"He (Chambers) was really respectful of that and the decision not to pick him — and again I was really clear with Will on this — had nothing to do with the sledging situation, it was just purely on form," Hannay told News Corp.

The 33-year-old's axing couldn't come at a worse time with his future in the NRL currently clouded.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, incoming coach Craig Fitzgibbon is preparing to make a decision on whether to bring back Chambers, as well as prop Aiden Tolman and forward Billy Magoulias.

It's understood Fitzgibbon's eventual decision will be based purely on form.

Regardless of what decision will be made, Cronulla does have two prefered centres in Jesse Ramien and Connor Tracey, which would mean Chambers would likely have to take on a back-up role for next season.