The NYC Sharks travel into hostile territory determined to get their first win of the 2015 when they tackle the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.
With nothing to show for two reasonable efforts over the first two rounds, the young Sharks will be looking to turn in an 80-minute performance against the Storm, after lapses in concentration and a lack of composure have proven costly in their two losses to date.
At their last start the Sharks led the Broncos 16-10 at half time and despite giving up an early second half try, were still well and truly in the game deep into the contest.
A string of three quick Brisbane tries however saw the visitors run away with proceedings late.
“The Broncos scored, got some encouragement and momentum from it and scored again almost straight away,” coach James Shepherd said. “Three tries in ten minutes in the second half, almost without us touching the ball and it was just too much for us to come back from.”
The first round clash told a similar story, with the Sharks winning everywhere except at the final whistle, with a try inside the last four minutes, followed by a penalty goal after the fulltime siren, seeing the Canberra side claim a two-point victory.
The Sharks opponents this weekend the Storm are themselves licking their wounds after a heavy loss to the Manly Sea Eagles.
The Storm were never in the match last weekend, trailing by 42-6 at one stage before three late tries saw the final score line of 46-20 somewhat flatter the Melbourne side.
Those in the Sharks team who made this road trip in 2014 will head south with some sort of confidence, with their most recent clash in round 23 last year resulting in a 20-10 victory to the Cronulla outfit.
Should they hope to come home with the points however the Sharks will need strong performances from the likes of fullback Josh Addo-Carr and half Connor Tracey, with the pair amongst their teams’ best over the opening two rounds.
As for the make-up of the Sharks team, Shepherd has named a 21-man squad which includes an eight-man bench, with the coach needing to trim that number down to 17 players for the travelling party.
NYC Team List – round 3
Sharks v Storm
Saturday, March 21
AAMI Stadium
Kick-off – 5.15pm
1 Joshua Addo-Carr
2 Levy Sopi
3 Monson Paewai
4 Jamayne Isaako
5 Tuli Leota
6 Travis Edwards
7 Connor Tracey
8 Alec Susino
9 Jayden Brailey
10 Tepatasi Fuiava
11 Anthony Moraitis
12Ashleigh Nisbet
13Harrison Muller
INTERCHANGE
14 Brad Deitz
15 Jayden McDonogh
16 Pat Hasson
17 John Leger
18 Jayden Walker
19 Francis Loloua-Tui
20 Semisi Vea
21 Zane Walford
