Wade Graham cleared of serious injury

Cronulla's NRL top-four hopes have been given a double boost, with Wade Graham and Jack Bird possible starters for Sunday's final-round clash with Newcastle.

Graham has been cleared of any fracture to the lower leg after he was taken from the field in the first half of Saturday night's loss to the Sydney Roosters.

He has significant bruising and a cork, but is considered a chance to play at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Meanwhile Bird is expected to return from a shoulder injury for the clash, with the Sharks sweating on a Parramatta loss and their own victory to make the top four.

Bird has played just two games since NSW's State of Origin series loss, having previously battled a sternum injury.

However Sharks forward Sam Tagataese is now in doubt for Sunday afternoon's match, with a calf injury.