Cut by the Sydney Roosters a week ago, veteran front rower Danny Nutley has answered an SOS to rejoin a forward-depleted Cronulla outfit.

Nutley trained with his new teammates on Wednesday and is in line to play in Saturday night's clash with Penrith at Toyota Stadium.

Sharks coach Ricky Stuart said the loss of Reece Williams for the season with a knee injury and Lance Thompson's decision to retire following the Panthers game meant he was left with little option but to look outside the club for help.

The Sharks have also been without suspended duo Paul Gallen and Ben Ross for the past fortnight, though Gallen is due back next weekend.

"We've got four players out at the moment so he'll definitely strengthen our pack until we get Gallen and Ben Ross back to give us a little bit more depth," Stuart said.

"We've got two backrowers now that won't play again this season after this weekend and I've got three outside backs playing backrow where we're teaching them how to play backrow.

"He's an experienced player who's been here before ... I like Danny Nutley as a player, we're in trouble as regards our roster with regards what's happened with Reece and Lance."

Asked if he would play against the Panthers, Stuart said: "he's in the squad of 19, we'll see how we go."

Nutley was deemed surplus to requirements at the Roosters following their off-season acquisition of Bulldogs pair Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley.

He returns to Cronulla after playing for the Sharks from 2002 to 2005.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP