Preparations for the upcoming season will step up a notch in coming weeks, culminating in the Sharks first official hit out for 2014 when they tackle the 2013 Grand Finalists the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday, February 7.
To be played at Remondis Stadium, the trial will see a sprinkling of established stars on show, alongside some of the clubs’ emerging talent as they look to press for places in the Sharks NRL team in 2014.
All ticketed Sharks members will receive free entry into the stadium for both this first trial against Manly and also the Wests Tigers trial game on February 22.
While member entry is free, seating will be general admission and on a first-come-first served basis, with those attending encouraged to get to Remondis Stadium early to secure preferred seating.
As for the Sharks line up, interim head coach Peter Sharp, while still almost two weeks away from the game, was starting to think about a potential trial team, indicating he was planning to get most of his squad onto the field on the night.
“Those players who are fit, we will certainly be looking to get them some game time against Manly,” Sharp said. “We’ll start off with our younger guys, then the third quarter will probably be when some of the established players and the more high profile guys will get out onto the field.
“We’ve been lucky in that we’ve had our halves and hookers training right through the pre-season. They’ve been going great at training but I’m keen to get them some time on the field together so they will get a run at some stage against Manly,” Sharp said.
Without naming names, Sharp’s words suggests that fans will get a glimpse of Todd Carney and Jeff Robson working in tandem, while new recruit Daniel Holdsworth is certain to get his opportunity to impress.
Young gun Michael Lichaa will be given every chance to show his wares against NRL opposition, sharing time at dummy half with Isaac De Gois, with the status of John Morris for the Manly trial still unclear as the experienced campaigner continues his recovery from off-season elbow surgery.
Sharks fans are also likely to get their first glimpse of new recruits Matt Prior and Blake Ayshford, along with former Eel Eric Grothe Junior who is set to make his debut in Sharks colours against the Sea Eagles.
“Eric will definitely play against Manly. It’s an important game for him to see where he is at with his return to NRL football,” Sharp said.
In addition to the NRL trial between the Sharks and Sea Eagles, the NYC teams from both clubs will also battle it out at Remondis in the earlier match. The Sharks are optimistic about their prospects in the Holden Cup in 2014, with the trial to give them an early pointer as to their prospects this season.
Tickets to the trial will be on sale next week and can be purchased through the Sharks Store and Ticketek outlets, with tickets also available at the gate on game day.
Ticketed Members are admitted free of charge, with 2014 memberships in all categories available for purchase in the lead up to the game. Go to the membership link to find out more.
Sharks v Tigers trial game tickets will soon go on sale for the pre-season match up on February 22, with the two clubs likely to field close to full-strength teams in what will be their final tune ups ahead of the start of the season proper.
The Tigers trial will see five Sharks teams in action on the day, with the afternoon to kick off with round two junior rep matches in the Matthews Cup and SG Ball, followed by NYC and NSW Cup trials, before the Sharks v Tigers NRL clash.
More details of the Sharks-Tigers trial will be given closer to the game. Stay tuned to the Sharks website for more information.
Sharks v Manly Trial
Friday, February 7
Kickoff times - NRL 7:30pm, NYC 5:30pm
Tickets (all general admission – on sale next week)
Adult - $15.00
Concession - $10.00
Junior - $7.50
Family - $35.00
Adult + 1 Junior - $20.00
