Sharks skipper Paul Gallen returned to the fold somewhat unexpectently last weekend, giving his team a considerable lift as they came within converted try of upsetting the defending premiers the Roosters.
Gallen was close to his old self, crashing the ball forward and tackling with energy and aggression and now with a game under his belt should be even better for the run when the Sharks take on the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.
With Gallen back and Beau Ryan named on an extended bench, for the first time in 2014 coach Peter Sharp has some selection decisions to make, with Ryan something of a chance to be added to the 17-man squad prior to kick off this weekend.
The Sharks have retained the nucleus of their round seven team, with the only other significant change seeing Isaac De Gois return to the 17 after recovering from the knee injury which had him sidelined for the Roosters match.
With Gallen named at lock, Chris Heighington shifts to the second row in jersey 11.
The Sharks v Panthers match is scheduled for the ‘family friendly’ time of 3.00pm Saturday at Remondis Stadium.
NRL Team List – Round 8
Sharks v Panthers
Saturday, April 26
Remondis Stadium
Kickoff – 3.00pm
1 Michael Gordon
2 Sosaia Feki
3 Blake Ayshford
4 Ricky Leutele
5 Jonathan Wright
6 Todd Carney
7 Jeff Robson
8 Andrew Fifita
9 John Morris
10 Bryce Gibbs
11 Chris Heighington
12 Wade Graham
13 Paul Gallen ©
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14 Isaac De Gois
15 Tinirau Arona
16 Sam Tagataese
17 Siosaia Vave
20 Beau Ryan
