With the suspensions of Andrew Fifita and Siosaia Vave, Sharks coach Peter Sharp will need to call on the depth he has available in his forward ranks when considering his team to play the Bulldogs on Monday night.
While the experienced Chris Heighington is certain return to fill one of the forward vacancies, the replacement for the other spot isn’t so cut and dried, with a couple of potential Sharks debutants in line to take their place in the NRL side.
Tim Robinson, an outstanding performer for the NSW Cup Sharks in their premiership winning run last season is one candidate, as is David Fifita, younger brother, by just 10 minutes, of twin Andrew.
David impressed in the opening round of the NSW Cup and has done everything asked of him during the just concluded pre-season, while Robinson was consistently one of the Sharks best trainers during the summer months.
The 25 year-old Robinson has played 18 games in the NRL previously with Manly club, while David Fifita is yet to play at an NRL level.
Sharp still has three days to consider his options, although NSW Cup coach Tony Herman is sure to be keen to get whichever player isn’t added to the NRL squad, back for his round two NSW Cup game tomorrow in Campbelltown, meaning the decision could come as soon as later today.
Amie Lindsell of NRL.com was at Sharks training yesterday and caught up with Daniel Holdsworth and Jonathan Wright, trying to get an insight into the player likely to come into the Sharks NRL squad.
The video preview is now playing on Sharks TV.
