While Family Fun Day will see the kids enjoy a series of special extra entertainment initiatives on the McDonalds Family Hill at Remondis Stadium, the Sharks NRL squad will be hoping to have some ‘fun’ of their own on the field when they tackle the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.
Striving for their first win of the 2014 season, the Sharks have had a tough time of it with injury disrupting the early going, however with the season now entering a fifth week, a win against the Warriors is imperative to stay in touch with the leading teams.
While the injury list remains a long one, the Sharks encountered no further problems against the Knights last week, with Michael Gordon having overcome a knee problem and certain to take his place in the team this weekend.
As for the potential return of Jeff Robson, the Sharks half is rated a good chance of returning after fractures ruined the early part of his year.
Robson was cleared to play after the facial injuries had sufficiently healed, however it is a calf strain that might keep him on the sidelines for one more week.
Both Daniel Holdsworth and Robson trained in the halves alongside Todd Carney on Friday, with Peter Sharp to asses his options and make a decision on the final make up of the side tomorrow.
In the forwards, the Sharks will be hoping to have Andrew Fifita back to his rampaging best, with the front rower determined to focus on his on field performance and not be distracted by the off field dramas surrounding his contract situation.
Tupou Sopoaga, missing from the Knights match but impressive in his three previous top grade games, is expected to come into the team after being named as 18th man.
The match with the Kiwi side also marks the return of ex-Shark Chad Townsend, the former local junior having made an off-season move to the Warriors. Townsend has been in solid form having played in the halves in all four games this season.
Giving the Sharks a little extra hope of a victory on Saturday would be their recent record against the New Zealand outfit, with the Cronulla side having won the past four games in row.
In 2013 the Sharks scored a close 18-14 triumph over the Warriors in Auckland, while winning more comfortably, 28-4, in the match played at Remondis Stadium.
As a special extra on Family Fun Day at Remondis and in launching the newly named McDonalds Family Hill, if, or that should possibly be when, the Sharks win against the Warriors those at the game will receive a free Cheeseburger at a local area McDonalds Store.
Should their be a positive result fans at the game need only to present their game ticket to a Sutherland Shire McDonalds outlet to claim their prize.
The NRL match between the Sharks and Warriors, kicking off at 3.00pm, is the last of a three-game roster at Remondis Stadium this Saturday.
First game is the NYC match at 10.40am, followed by the NSW Cup at 12.40pm, before the big game at 3.
Gates to Remondis Stadium open at 10.30am, with a special ticket offer providing a free children’s entry for every adult purchasing a general admission ticket.
