Sharks coach Peter Sharp has named Andrew Fifita and Siosaia Vave in his team to play the Bulldogs despite the fact that the two front rowers are facing suspension after being charged by the match review committee.
Both would miss Monday night’s game should they either take early guilty pleas or accept the charges, with the Sharks considering their options prior to the deadline of noon Wednesday before making a response.
They would escape penalty should they contest and beat the charges at a judiciary hearing.
At this stage replacements for the pair have not been added to the squad, with the likes of Tim Robinson and David Fifita coming into calculations should they be suspended.
Paul Gallen, after limping from the field and then being diagnosed with a syndesmosis ankle injury will not be fit to play on Monday night and is predicted to miss up to six matches.
On a positive note five-eighth Todd Carney has been selected to return from a hamstring injury against the Bulldogs, while Ricky Leutele has retained his place in the backline after a solid performance at left centre in the round one match on Monday night.
Tinirau Arona, impressive in his debut for the Sharks, has been slotted into the lock position in place of Gallen, while Chris Heighington, who has overcome a calf strain has made himself available has been named on an extended interchange bench in jersey 22.
The Sharks play their second consecutive Monday night match when they take on the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium in round 2.
Round 2 Team List
Sharks v Bulldogs
ANZ Stadium,
Monday, March 17
Kickoff - 7.00pm
- Michael Gordon
- Sosaia Feki
- Blake Ayshford
- Ricky Leutele
- Jonathan Wright
- Todd Carney
- Daniel Holdsworth
- Andrew Fifita
- John Morris
- Bryce Gibbs
- Matt Prior
- Wade Graham
- Tinirau Arona
Interchange
14. Isaac De Gois
15. Sam Tagataese
16. Tupou Sopoaga
17. Siosaia Vave
22. Chris Heighington
