Josh Morris was told by Cronulla to "explore his options" along with Matt Prior and Josh Dugan last year as the Sharks try to sneak under the salary cap before June 30.

As it stands, the Sharks are salary cap compliant. But they are yet to complete their 30-man roster for the June 30 deadline, leaving them no choice but to sign a player in slots 27-30 on a deal worth $75,000 or a player in slots 1-26, which will require a deal worth at least $110,000.

Josh Morris has asked for a release from the Sharks - but the club has refused to budge despite salary cap pressures. Credit:NRL Photos

When that player puts pen to paper on the bargain basement deal, Cronulla will tip over their cap - which has been reduced by $350,000 for breaching the cap as far back as 2013.

That has left the club with no choice but to either shed a player or find a suitable trade before signing another.