The countdown continues

The countdown to the new season steps up another gear this week when the Sharks enter ‘game’ mode ahead of their first trial match for 2013.

Coach Shane Flanagan is expected to trot out his new recruits as he begins the task of building combinations with his established stars when the Sharks tackle Manly on Friday night at Brookvale Oval.

Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington, Michael Gordon, Jonathan Wright and Beau Ryan are all expected to see some game time, with a handful recovering from injury, as well as Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita who are away at All Stars, the only players from his full time squad set to miss the trial.

Todd Carney is still a few weeks away from an on-field return as he continues his rehab from his Achilles tendon surgery, while Bryce Gibbs is expected to be back in full training this week but looks likley to be held back until the Sharks second trial on February 23 against Newcastle in Tamworth.

The Sharks Holden Cup NYC squad will also be in action on Friday at Brookvale Oval, with the under 20’s match getting underway at 4.30pm, to be followed by the NRL trial at 7.00pm.

Tickets will be available at the ground on the night.

Then the following day the Sharks squad will be on show at Fan Day, to be held on the back fields at Sharks Stadium.

Footy skills stations, jumping castles and plenty of family fun, along with the Sharks NRL players signing autographs and mingling with the fans should provide plenty of incentive to come along to the first ‘official’ event for 2013.

And while Fan Day is going on the Sharks future stars will be on show on the main field inside Sharks Stadium with the under-16 Matthews Cup and under-18 SG Ball teams taking on Souths in round one of the junior representative season.

Fan Day kicks off at 11am on Saturday, with the junior rep games starting at 9.30am and 11am.

Fan Day is free, while ticketed members will also be admitted into the Junior rep games free of charge on production of their 2013 members passes.