While it was certainly no disgrace in going down to the competition leaders the Panthers last weekend the NYC Sharks will be looking to get straight back into the winner’s circle when they host the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
The Sharks led the outstanding Penrith outfit into the final 15 minutes of their match until the effort finally told, three Panther tries late seeing them escape with a 24-14 victory, leaving the young Cronulla side to lick their wounds and look ahead to their next assignment.
That task awaiting the Sharks will be a match-up with a traditionally-strong Broncos team, albeit one struggling for consistency in 2016.
Despite coming into the Sharks game in 10th place on the ladder the Broncos will arrive in a confident frame of mind following what was perhaps their best effort so far this season, a 38-0 drubbing of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Winger David Fauid scored twice and was outstanding for Brisbane, while Jaydn Sua was the standout in their forward pack. Fauid in fact leads all players in the NYC competition in the category of line breaks made.
This Sharks side has however shown great resilience and resolve in their seven matches to date and although they eventually came out on the wrong end of the score line against the Panthers, will also be in a positive frame of mind by kick off on Sunday afternoon.
The Sharks have been getting consistently outstanding performances from hooker Jayden Brailey, with the recently promoted Will Kennedy improving at fullback with every outing. Like his Bronco opponent Fauid, Brailey features prominently on a number of Holden Cup statistical categories including most tackles, dummy half runs and try assists.
Should the young Sharks hope to be successful on Sunday they will also need strong contributions from the likes of Tepa Fuiavalilili and Jaimin Jolliffe up front, with lock Jayden Mcdonough another to shine last weekend in the losing effort.
Going into the match in fifth position following five wins and two losses, the Sharks have a game in hand after their round three clash with the Manly Sea Eagles was postponed due to the condition of the Brookvale Oval playing surface.
That match has been tentatively scheduled for next weekend.
The Sharks v Broncos Holden Cup match is set down for a 1.45pm kick off at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday with the NRL match to follow at 4.00pm.
Gates to Southern Cross Group Stadium open at 1.30pm, with tickets available for pre-purchase HERE.
