While the Sharks were far from impressive in a first round loss, tonight’s opponents the Broncos were embarrassed by South Sydney in their season-opener last Thursday night.
The Sharks were their own worst enemies in a 24-20 defeat by the Raiders, however up in Brisbane the home team were never in the contest in being comprehensively beaten 36-6 by the Rabbits.
Both teams will be looking to quickly rebound and to chalk up their first wins for 2015, with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan realising his team had best beware the wounded Bronco.
“The Broncos will be hurting from the criticism I’m sure they’ve been getting up there in Brisbane,” Flanagan said. “But in saying that I though Souths were the best team of the round last week.
“(Brisbane) will have plenty to prove on Friday night, its just that we’ve got more to prove.”
After vowing to make Remondis Stadium an intimidating place for opposition teams to play, the Sharks got off to a rough start last Sunday, however this week, with just a five-day turn-around, the Sharks have an opportunity to quickly atone.
“We want to win all our home games, we didn’t win last week so we need to win this week and I’m sure the boys will put up a much better performance,” Flanagan said.
In not pushing the panic button, Flanagan has resisted changes to his line up, with the same 17 players that took to the field against the Raiders again named, along with Valentine Holmes and Sami Sauiluma who have been selected on an extended bench.
Holmes was brilliant for the NYC Sharks last week, with Sauiluma amongst the best players on the field for the Sharks NSW Cup partners the Newtown Jets in a first round loss, meaning both players are in strong form should they get the late call up.
In drawing on some positive thoughts the Sharks could do worse than think back to the last time the two teams met, with a severely under-strength Cronulla squad coming back from a 22-point deficit to beat the Broncos at Suncorp.
The Sharks v Broncos match is scheduled for an 8.35pm kick off, with Channel 9 showing the match on delay beginning an hour later, therefore Remondis Stadium is the only place to catch all the action live.
As will be the case throughout the 2015 season integrated ticketing as provided by Transport NSW will be in operation, with the price of train travel included with memberships and game day tickets.
A free Sharks shuttle service will then transport fans from the Cronulla, Woolooware, Caringbah, Miranda and Sutherland stations to and from the Remondis Stadium precinct.
Gates to Remondis Stadium open at 6.00pm, with the NYC match kicking off at 6.20pm.
For more information, including membership and match day entertainment, go to the Game Day page on the Sharks website – CLICK HERE
