Cronulla is reportedly chasing Brisbane's off-contract five-eighth Anthony Milford, in a sign the club is likely to miss out on the signature of Adam Reynolds.
The Broncos are considered the favourites to land Reynolds for 2022 and beyond, while the Sharks are believed to be prioritising the signing of Milford ahead of finalising a new deal with Shaun Johnson.
Johnson is at the end of a three-year deal with Cronulla, but questions have been raised about his form in recent weeks, with the Sharks currently on a five match losing streak, a slump that has coincided with the axing of coach John Morris.
"We seem to talk about Adam Reynolds all the time but there was a rumour going around that he would make a decision in the next 24 hours," The Australian's Brent Read said on NRL360.
"The Broncos believe that it's just about over the line in Brisbane, I'm dubious about that.
"I don't think that's the case but I think a decision is imminent, I think Brisbane can consider themselves frontrunners.
"Speaking to Cronulla today their optimism is waning. They're considering some other targets, one of those is Anthony Milford.
"I think they will explore every half in the game. I don't think anyone is off the market."
Milford was recalled to the Brisbane side recently after a stint in the Queensland Cup, but is unlikely to be offered a new deal at the Broncos for next season.
That means the 26-year-old is expected to take a significant pay cut, with other clubs not likely to match his current $1 million-a-season deal.
The Sharks are currently 13th on the ladder and face a tricky run over the next month, with games against four teams currently in the top eight; Souths (4th), St George Illawarra (6th), Gold Coast (7th) and Penrith (1st).
With the club's losing streak a chance of extending beyond two months, Read revealed Johnson's future at the club was no longer certain.
"I don't know what's going on with Shaun there. I don't think he's a fait accompli, I think he was originally," Read said.
"But given the way he's played the last few weeks and some murmurs coming out of the Sharks camp is that Johnson isn't a huge priority at the moment."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/cronulla-chase-anthony-milford-from-brisbane-adam-reynolds-shaun-johnson/8e5b8b50-5992-4761-a8a5-1f2312047651
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