NRL: Make-or-break time for Gardner to press claims

Nathan Gardner. Photo / Getty Images

Cronulla fullback Nathan Gardner is preparing for the most important game of his NRL career against St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium today.

After a year out of first grade, Gardner feels as though he's making a second debut.

But at the same he knows there's no time for a settling in period.

Off contract and turning 24 next month, Gardner is at his career crossroads, and it's now or never in his bid to earn a new NRL deal.

Nominated for Dally M rookie of the year honours in 2010, the speedy jack-in-the-box is determined to prove that 24 months of hell hasn't curbed his potential to make it as a first grade No 1.

A devastating run of injuries coupled with Michael Gordon's arrival 12 months ago has meant Gardner's last NRL appearance was round 11 last year - when he was called in as a replacement against South Sydney.

Gardner admits he felt as though his prospects were dead and buried.

But coach Peter Sharp's decision to switch Gordon to centre to face the Dragons has presented Gardner with a glimmer of hope.

"It was pretty frustrating and I didn't know where I would end up so it feels like I'm starting fresh," said Gardner. "It feels like I'm making my debut again."

There were rumours towards the end of last year that Canterbury coach Des Hasler was sniffing around Gardner as he looked to fill the shoes of Ben Barba at Belmore.

However, Gardner says he never spoke to the Bulldogs.

He's yet to enter discussions with the Sharks for a new contract, believing he needs to do his talking on the field.

Cronulla are trying to arrest a three-game losing streak and get off the bottom of the ladder, while the Dragons are equally desperate - having dropped four on the bounce.

Gardner will go head-to-head with a player in a similar boat, Dragons fullback Adam Quinlan.

With Josh Dugan being given a shot at right centre, Quinlan is looking to make it hard for new coach Paul McGregor to drop him again.

- AAP