Kennnedy, Parra & Sharkies

Manly captain Ben Kennedy admits he doesn't know when he'll be able to return from a quadriceps injury which has even the NRL club's medical staff stumped.

Kennedy sustained the injury during the Sea Eagles' victory over Newcastle a fortnight ago and later described feeling a "sharp pain" and a lack of power in his leg. With a top-four spot likely to be on the line, Kennedy is desperate to return for next Saturday's crunch clash against minor premier Melbourne at Olympic Park.

But the former Test lock says there is no definitive date for his return as the medical staff have yet to give him a definitive prognosis.

Meanwhile, Parramatta star Nathan Hindmarsh says the Eels have the depth to overcome the loss of injured captain Nathan Cayless, despite the fact the NRL club has now been reduced to just one recognised prop.

Cayless has been ruled out for the rest of the season after CT scans confirmed the New Zealand international sustained a fractured eye socket. The Eels already had five props in the casualty ward, with Aaron Cannings, Adam Peek, Michael Vella, Justin Tsoulos and Paul Stringer all injured, while Fuifui Moimoi is suspended till week three of the finals.

Down south, Cronulla is set to bolster its coaching staff for next year as part of a review into the club's dramatic crash out of finals contention.

The Sharks board has ordered an independent review of staff and business practices after eight consecutive defeats killed off their hopes of contesting the playoffs. While all the outcomes of the review won't be known until next month, it's understood Stuart Raper will serve out the final year of his contract as head coach.

However, chief executive Greg Pierce is keen to provide further support for Raper, beginning with the appointment of an elite coaching coordinator to oversee the development of promising players not in the top-25 squad.