Young gun Jack Bird has been selected at five eighth for the Sharks NSW Cup partners the Newtown Jets for their round three match against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday.
Bird is a part of an all-Sharks backline for the Jets, one which includes Sami Sauiluma who tonight attends a NSWRL judiciary hearing in a bid to be available to play this weekend.
Sauiluma was charged with grade two dangerous contact for an alleged crusher tackle, but will fight the match review finding at a hearing tonight.
After two successive losses Newtown coach Greg Matterson will be looking for an improved performance from his team, including those Sharks-contracted players in the Jets squad.
The Jets have been competitive in both of their matches to date but have been unable to register a win in two closely fought encounters.
This week they take on an undefeated Penrith squad at Pepper Stadium (Penrith) on Saturday. Kick off is at 3.00pm.
NSW Cup Team List – round 3
Newtown Jets v Panthers
Saturday, March 21
Pepper Stadium
Kick off – 3.00pm
1 Nathan Gardner
2 Mitch Brown
3 Sami Sauiluma
4 Blake Ayshford
5 Jacob Gagan
6 Jack Bird
7 Todd Murphy
8 Ray Moujalli
9 Pat Politoni
10 Saulala Houma
11 Junior Roqica
12 Patrice Siolo
13 Tim Robinson
interchange
14 Kurt Dillon
15 Kurt Kara
16 Nesiasi Mataitonga
18 Dallas Wells
19 Blake Judd
20 Jack Noble