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Rookie Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris has rejected suggestions of player unrest at the NRL club ahead of their round-opener against North Queensland.

Cronulla coach John Morris has denied suggestions of player unrest at the NRL club and insists he'll continue to have no hesitation in picking stars out of position.

Morris was forced on Wednesday to answer a barrage of questions about a players-only meeting held this week to reportedly address rising tensions amongst the squad.

One bone of contention apparently discussed was rookie Bronson Xerri starting in the centres over the more established Josh Dugan and Josh Morris for most of the season.

The coach on insisted claims of player angst, particularly around Dugan and Morris, was untrue ahead North Queensland's visit to PointsBet Stadium on Thursday.

"I've told them where they're playing and they've played there," Morris said.

"There's certainly been a little bit of outside noise that certain players haven't been happy but I honestly don't see that."

His comments come just days after skipper Paul Gallen conceded there was an "element of truth" to Josh Morris and Dugan being unhappy about not playing in their preferred positions.

However Morris believes his pair of veterans, both of whom have previously represented Australia and NSW, have stood up as leaders for him this season.

"The way I see it, we have got three starting centres, I've shown that I want to develop Bronson there at left centre," Morris said.

"So it means that one of the Joshs will spend some time on the wing.

"Josh Morris went there against Brisbane and scored a hat-trick in his first game there. So we've got options there.

"Duges has got the ability to go fullback like he's doing this week. I think that they understand that they need to be versatile where they play.

"And they definitely want to do the best thing for the team moving forward."

The 38-year-old rookie coach also refuted claims he was too close to the playing group, saying he has made plenty of unpopular decisions already this year.

On one occasion earlier this month, he pulled star recruit Shaun Johnson late in a game.

"I've been there and have made those tough decisions and I'll continue to make them and continue to do the best thing for the team," Morris said.

"If that means senior players missing out or not getting the game time they want, then so be it. As long as it's the best thing for the team."

The Sharks are again without Matt Moylan for a week after the fullback aggravated a hamstring issue that's been plaguing his entire season.

Dugan will play fullback following his return from his own hamstring issue, while Billy Magoulias debuts in place of the suspended Andrew Fifita.

The Cowboys team is unchanged from the side edged by South Sydney last week, with skipper Michael Morgan still rested due to concussion.

STATS THAT MATTER

* The Sharks have won the past four, and 14 of 19 games overall against the Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium.

* The Sharks' current spot of 11th on the ladder is their lowest position this late in a season since they picked up the wooden spoon in 2014.

* The Sharks' two plays inside the Warriors' 20-metre zone last week equalled the lowest for any team since the stat was first recorded in 2007.