Cronulla forward Andrew Fifita has been issued a consorting notice by police in a huge blow to the Sharks' hopes of snaring the minor and major premierships.

Police handed Fifita the notice on Wednesday, just days before the Sharks take on Melbourne at AAMI Park on Saturday night in a clash that will decide the minor premiership. "Police from the gang squad Strike Force Raptor have issued a consorting warning to a 27-year-old NRL player under section 93x of the Crimes Act 1900," the police said in a statement obtained by Fairfax Media.

Facing allegations: Andrew Fifita. Credit:Getty

Fifita, who played for NSW in the State of Origin series this year, is considered one of the most destructive forwards in the NRL and will be a focal point for the Sharks against the Storm on Saturday night.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the police warning to Fifita was another reminder to players and officials to be careful who they associate with. "We are determined to work with police to ensure that criminal elements do not infiltrate our game," he said. Fifita has become the fourth NRL player this season to be handed a consorting notice.