It has been a while coming however the return of international backrower Luke Lewis is certain to provide a boost to the Sharks for their match against the Eels on Monday night.
Injured in the World Cup prior to Christmas, Lewis has been given the all clear to resume playing and is raring to go for the Monday night clash. Lewis has been named to return in the unfamiliar position of five eighth, replacing the injured Todd Carney for what will be his first game for 2014.
With Paul Gallen approaching 100 per cent fitness after having played two matches for the Sharks and one for the Kangaroos last Friday night, in addition to the steady improvement shown by NSW and Australian prop Andrew Fifita, the Cronulla side will head to Parramatta Stadium confident of success.
The one negative however is the absence of Carney with a hamstring injury, with the Sharks playmaker slated for a round 11 return.
The Sharks will also be without hard running prop Sam Tagataese who will miss one game after being sent off in the Samoa v Fiji Test Match and subsequently suspended by the match review committee.
Coach Peter Sharp, with the game still six days away, has kept his options open by naming a five-man bench, NSW Origin hooker Michael Lichaa included in the 18-man squad.
The Sharks v Eels match, in which the two teams will contest the Jon Mannah Cup, is scheduled for a 7.00pm kickoff at Parramatta Stadium on Monday night.
NRL Round 9
Sharks v Eels
Monday, May 12
Parramatta Stadium
Kick off – 7.00pm
- Michael Gordon
- Sosaia Feki
- Blake Ayshford
- Ricky Leutele
- Beau Ryan
- Luke Lewis
- Jeff Robson
- Andrew Fifita
- John Morris
- Bryce Gibbs
- Anthony Tupou
- Wade Graham
- Paul Gallen ©
Interchange
14. Isaac De Gois
15. Chris Heighington
16. Tinarau Arona
17. Siosaia Vave
20. Michael Lichaa
