The Sharks won’t want to be giving up a huge lead tomorrow but they would certainly take the same result as their last two games when they take on the Newcastle Knights at Remondis Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Recovering from 22 and 24 point deficits the last two weeks in claiming remarkable and record breaking victories, the mood has shifted in the Sharks camp, with the team completing preparations on Saturday morning with an energetic training session.
The return of Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis from Origin duty will provide a boost, with neither player showing any ill effects from the game on Wednesday night, while the rest of the squad involved in the Roosters win are also fit and raring to go.
Stand in coach James Shepherd was again on the job, directing the troops with the assistance of injured squad member John Morris, with the only issue facing the pair being the selection of the final 17 for the Knights clash.
While 19 players trained with the team, the final squad will need to be trimmed back to 17, with decisions on the make up of the side to be made closer to kickoff.
The match is set to be an intriguing battle, made more so by the decision this week from Knights coach Wayne Bennett to quit the club at seasons end. Bennett will coach his 700th game in the NRL this weekend, interestingly against Sharks coach Shepherd who last weekend was in charge of his first.
But while the action on the field will be intense, outside the playing arena plenty of activities and entertainment is planned on a Family Fun Day at Remondis Stadium.
Utilising their first Sunday afternoon home game for 2014 the Sharks will boost the amusement options for the family, with a variety of rides, a jumping castle, face painters, clowns and stilt walkers sure to keep everybody entertained. The first 1000 kids through the gate will also receive showbags.
Then after the game the kids will be invited onto the field, with the Sharks looking to farewell Beau Ryan and to break the Guinness Book of records for the World’s Biggest ‘Selfie’. Everybody at the game will be invited to take part.
Entry for kids is also free before 2.00pm, with Family ground entry tickets discounted by a further 20 percent to just $40.
The match will also feature the Sharks in jerseys featuring their two newest sponsors in LabourHealth and Martec, while the Sutherland Heart Clinic is match day sponsor.
Kickoff to the NRL match is at 3.00pm, with the NYC match between the Sharks and Knights getting underway at 12.45pm. Gates to Remondis Stadium open at 12.30pm.
