SEVEN days ago James Shepherd admitted he was taking his role as caretaker coach of the Cronulla Sharks as a week-by-week prospect, but ahead of tomorrow’s match in Bathurst he will be feeling more settled.

On Wednesday the Sharks’ board of directors confirmed Shepherd as head coach for the remainder of the season.

He is the third man to fill the role this season, having taken over when Peter Sharp resigned three weeks ago. Sharp was the man given the nod after Shane Flanagan was suspended.

“It has been a challenging season for all concerned, with James now our third NRL coach, added to the fact that we have been without key players such as [Paul] Gallen, [Luke] Lewis and [Andrew] Fifita for much of the year and have battled a massive injury toll,” Sharks chairman Damian Keogh said.

“Through it all, James has gone about his business very competently and with a minimum of fuss and we have no doubt he will continue to be able to do that for our remaining games this year.”

Shepherd’s job over the seven rounds to come will be trying to get the Sharks off the bottom of the NRL ladder, his task starting with beating the Panthers at Carrington Park.

The former Sydney Rooster believes he has the players in his squad to achieve that goal.

Lewis will line up at second row against his old club while Fifita made a season-high 46 tackles last week at prop.

“Over the past few weeks the senior players have been excellent and with their continued support we will come together to try to win as many games as possible over the next seven weeks to finish our season on a positive note,” Shepherd said.

The coach has named prop Sam Tagataese in his side to take on the Panthers, replacing Bryce Gibbs who has a hip flexor problem.

Replacement prop Siosaia Vave is also out due to a torn pectoral muscle, but Shepherd does have the luxury of bringing Chris Heighington onto the bench as he has recovered from a calf strain.

The Sharks get their chance to make Shepherd’s week even better with a win over Penrith from 3pm tomorrow afternoon at Carrington Park.

CRONULLA SHARKS: 1 Michael Gordon, 2 Sosaia Feki, 3 Jonathan Wright, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Jacob Gagan, 6 Fa’amanu Brown, 7 Jeff Robson, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Michael Lichaa, 10 Sam Tagataese, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham (c), 13 Anthony Tupou, 14 Pat Politoni, 15 Chris Heighington, 16 Tinirau Arona, 17 Tim Robinson, 18 Tupou Sopoaga, 19 Matt Prior.