Sharks coach Josh Hannay is hopeful the knock veteran forward Wade Graham took against the Melbourne Storm on Friday might is not career-threatening.
Graham left the field for a HIA following a collision with Storm big man Tui Kamikamica and failed to return to the field as the Sharks fell to a fourth consecutive loss against the reigning premiers.
It was the third time this season that Graham has suffered a similar head knock, but his coach believes it is too early to tell if his latest setback is serious.
"He feels fine and I am not too sure where we are at to be honest," Hannay said after the 40-14 loss.
"We erred on the side of caution given his history. It is too early so I am not going to speculate."
Graham was in good spirits in the sheds after the match and was quick to reveal to reporters that he had passed his HIA.
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Hannay said the Sharks would be extra cautious with Graham's return given his history of head knocks.
"I know the club will do whatever is necessary for Wade and to make sure we are ticking all the boxes before he gets back on the field,” Hannay said.
"He felt like staying out there, but the way the game is and the protocols with HIA, there was a decision made on the sideline he had to come off, even though he felt fine.
"We were dictated by the medical staff, so it was best we got him off."
Match Highlights: Storm v Sharks
The Sharks' spluttering season does not get any easier with Hannay's side travelling to the foot of the mountains to tackle the unbeaten Panthers at BlueBet Stadium next round.
"There is no doubt when things go against us our heads drop and we start looking for someone or something or a bit of luck to get things going our way,” Hannay noted.
"Sometimes you have got to bite down on your mouthguard and create your own luck."