Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has confirmed Sam Tagataese will play in the NRL Grand Final against Melbourne.

Tagataese comes into the season decider at Sydney’s Olympic stadium on Sunday having not played in five weeks due to a shoulder injury.

Flanagan said the 29-year-old had pulled up well after a solid week at training.

“He gives us a bit of size to match the Storm forwards … he comes back today at just the right time,” Flanagan told Channel Nine.

Tagataese’s place on the bench means Kurt Capewell drops out of the Sharks’ matchday squad of 17.

Bellamy: cards close to chest. Photo: Getty

Meanwhile, utility Ben Hampton looks set to retain his place on the Storm bench despite not playing a minute during last Saturday’s preliminary final victory over Canberra.

While coach Craig Bellamy is keeping his cards close to his chest, it is expected Hampton will be selected ahead of a fourth forward on the bench with highly rated youngster Felise Kaufusi unlucky to miss out.

Bellamy has until one hour before kick-off at 7:15pm (AEDT) to confirm his 17-man side.

With AAP