The boys take a break
Today was the last day of training with the NRL and NYC squads to take a break over the Christmas and New Year period.
The NRL players completed their commitments with field and gym sessions, with training scheduled to recommence on Monday, January 5.
It has been a long and arduous summer for the NRL group, however under the guidance of head coach Shane Flanagan and his support staff including Assistants Steve Price and James Shepherd, along with the new High Performance Manager Andrew Gray, the team has trained strongly.
In an outstanding pointer towards 2015 and the upcoming pre-season fixtures, only Jack Bird, who has a minor shoulder complaint, was unable to complete all the session in the lead up to this well-earned break. The Sharks other 31 fulltime players are fit and healthy, while Bird is expected to join in all activities with the group from day one in the New Year.
Manly Trial confirmed
On the Sharks and their return in 2015, details have been released regarding their first trial match against Manly on Saturday, February 7.
The game is scheduled for Pittwater Park, with the NRL kicking off 5.30pm, the NYC at 3.30pm.
The trial is the first of two to be played by the Sharks, with a game against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on February 21 their last hit out before the start of the season-proper on March 8.
In addition they travel to the NRL Auckland Nines on January 31, February 1 and a handful of Sharks are likely to be involved in the Indigenous All Stars game in Brisbane on February 14. Go to the NRL website to vote for your favourite player.
For more on the Manly trial CLICK HERE
Or for Sharks v Manly trial ticketing information CLICK HERE.
NSW Cup draw released
The 2015 VB NSW Cup draw has been released, with the Sharks competition partner and feeder club the Newtown Jets to start their season with a game at Henson Park against the Wests Tigers.
With the combined resources of the Jets and Sharks look for a highly competitive outfit to take to the field in 2015.
Follow the links below to see both the Newtown NSW Cup draw and also the complete draw for all VB NSW Cup clubs in 2015.
Newtown Jets 2015 season draw – CLICK HERE
Complete VB NSW Cup Draw – CLICK HERE
Sharks in the News
It has been announced that Sharks skipper Paul Gallen will have another boxing match on January 31 before the start of the 2015 NRL season.
In an article in the Sunday Telegraph, Gallen however attempted to allay the fears of the fans by explaining his focus is still very much on the NRL season ahead.
“The board and coaching staff know I would never let anything get in the way of my footy,’’ Gallen said. “Part of the agreement is that I won’t miss a training session — and I won’t.
“They know how big a season I want to have and given boxing is a big part of our training and I wasn’t going to be used in the Nines, it will be good a way to keep training at a high intensity.’’
Follow the link below to read more about Gallen’s planned bout.
CLICK HERE – Gallen fight – Dave Riccio, Sunday Telegraph, December 21
And in the Sun Herald, Ben Barba in an interview with Michael Carayannis spoke about trying to recapture the form that won him the highest individual honour in the game, the Dally M Medal, back in 2012.
Follow the link below to read the full article.
CLICK HERE – Barba to recapture 2012 form – Michael Carayannis, Sun Herald, December 21
While in some tragic news, it has been reported that former De La Salle and Sharks Junior rep player Marc Leabeater has died following a motor cycle accident.
Only 26, Leabeater was a young lawyer, a Wanda surf club member and champion beach sprinter and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Sincere condolences from the Sharks to family and friends.
Brad Forrest writing for the Just Cronulla News website has reported the tragic accident. See the link below to his article.
CLICK HERE – Tragic death of Marc Leabeater - Brad Forrest, Just Cronulla News, December 22.
FINALLY, with this the last edition of Sharks News Today for 2014, if you missed it, here is a link to a special Sharks Christmas song and message and best wishes for the festive season to all.
CLICK HERE for the Sharks Christmas Video and message.
See you all in the New Year.
