Sharks come through trial injury free

Other than the result falling in their favour in what was an encouraging first up outing for 2013, the other positive to come out of the Manly trial match was the fact the Sharks escaped with no serious injuries.

A cut over Isaac De Gois’s eye and a slight headache for John Morris after he was blindsided by a shoulder charge was about the extent of the damage for the Sharks at Brookvale on Friday night, while both Andrew Fifita and Chris Heighington came through the All Stars clash in Brisbane unscathed.

Coupled with the six tries to three victory, it was a good result all round with the Sharks to now move forward and onto their next assignment against Newcastle in their second and final trial in Tamworth on February 23.

The Sharks are also set to welcome back skipper Paul Gallen and new recruit Luke Lewis, both of whom missed the Manly match with niggling injuries - Gallen with a quad strain and Lewis an oblique injury - while Fifita and Heighington will also return to the squad.

Ben Pomeroy, who continues to make steady progress in recovering from a groin problem, is at this stage rated a 50/50 chance of being fit for the Newcastle match.

Bryce Gibbs has ongoing issues with a foot injury and Todd Carney is on course with his rehabilitation from Achilles surgery and both will miss the Knights match but are optimistic about being right and available for selection for the round one game against the Titans.

Sharks young guns Michael Lichaa, Tokerau Raru and Sione Masima, the trio currently training with the NRL squad, all missed the Manly match but are now fit and will travel to Tamworth to play their first games of the pre-season whether that is in the NYC or the NRL trial.

The Sharks v Knights trial, which is presented by Tamworth Regional Council and is supported by Wests, 2TM/92.9, NBN Television and the Northern Daily Leader, is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at Skully Park.

Tickets are available from www.visittamworth.com/ticket_sales.html or by calling 02 6767 5300.

Sharks v Knights
Wests Skully Park, Kent Street, Tamworth
Saturday February 23
4.00pm - Gates Open
4.45pm - NYC Under 20's trial
7.30pm - NRL Trial

TICKET PRICING
Gold - $40.00 ***SOLD OUT***
Silver Adult - $30.00
Silver Child 16 & Under - $20.00
Family - $80.00 ($20.00 each)
From – www.visittamworth.com/ticket_sales.html or by calling 02 67675300.