James Segeyaro has credited a new-found love of Pilates with helping to save his season.

Segeyaro returned from a 13-week absence with a broken arm for Cronulla on Saturday night and could start for the Sharks in their must-win clash with South Sydney on Friday night.

With the release of Manaia Cherrington and Daniel Mortimer, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan turned to back-up half Fa'amanu Brown for Cronulla's last two matches to replace hooker Jayden Brailey after the young star suffered a badly broken jaw against Manly.

But Segeyaro's return has come at just the right time for Cronulla. The 26-year-old is much fitter and stronger than when he arrived at the club in March after Sharks head of performance Andrew Gray tailored a program around Segeyaro's injury allowing him to build his fitness with hours of gruelling running.