Cronulla players and staff are rallying around young halfback Scott Porter after the sudden death of his mother.

A spokesman for the NRL club said the Sharks, who have a bye this weekend, were providing as much support as possible for Porter and his family as they come to terms with their loss.

It is another blow to the troubled club, who have endured a horrendous season on and off the field.

The emergence of the 24-year-old has been one of the rare highlights for the Sharks, who are closer to wooden spoon contention than challenging for the top eight.

Porter made his first grade debut in round 12 against Parramatta, with his arrival coinciding with a four-game winning streak for the Sharks.

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