Sharks' Prior cops one-week NRL ban

Cronulla prop Matt Prior will miss Thursday night's NRL clash with North Queensland after entering an early guilty plea for a shoulder charge.

Prior was charged over his hit on St George Illawarra's Joel Thompson in last Friday's win and would have risked an extra week on the sidelines if he contested the case.

His loss could be offset with Jayson Bukuya a chance to return from injury this week.

The Sharks welcome back England forward Chris Heighington for the home clash against the Cowboys after he missed the Dragons game due to family reasons.