Thanks to all 10,000
The Sharks thank all those who have signed on as members for the 2015 season with the membership tally this week topping the 10,000 mark.
While still below our record number achieved in 2014, the Sharks are most appreciative of the loyalty and support.
For those still considering signing on this year it’s not too late, with Flexi 5 and a range of other membership options still available.
Go to the Sharks membership page – CLICK HERE – to find out more.
Heighington charged for dangerous throw
Sharks forward Chris Heighington has been charged with a Grade 3 Dangerous Throw for a tackle on Panthers prop Jeremy Latimore in the match at Pepper Stadium yesterday.
The tackle, which occurred in the 19th minute of the match, attracted a point penalty of 393 for an early guilty plea and 525 should he challenge, meaning Heighington will miss three matches should he accept the charge and five if he were to choose to face a judiciary hearing and lose.
The potential suspension if a blow considering Heighington has done an excellent job deputising for an injured Paul Gallen over the past two matches.
Michael Ennis was also put on report for the tackle but it was deemed he had no charge to answer.
The Sharks and Heighington have until midday tomorrow to consider their options.
11 Sharks in action this weekend
The Sharks will supply 10 players to the various teams participating in the representative round of matches this weekend, with Luke Lewis leading the way.
Lewis was selected to play in his 16th Test Match for Australia, an outstanding achievement for the Sharks backrower.
In further good news Wade Graham was not only named in the City Origin team, he was also bestowed the honour of being captain, with Andrew Fifita to join him as a member of the City side.
The pair will come up against youngster Jack Bird after the Wollongong junior was chosen for Country, with the match to be played in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.
The Pacific Island nations will also square off in two Test Matches, with Sosaia Feki and Pat Politoni to represent their country of origin in Tonga, which brings them into direct conflict with Samoa and Sharks teammate Ricky Leutele.
Anthony Tupou was also named to play for Tonga but was forced to withdraw with a shoulder problem. The injury is deemed as being serious with Tupou hopeful of being fit to play for the Sharks against the Warriors on Saturday week.
Jayson Bukuya will represent Queensland, Valentine Holmes is set to play his second game for the Junior Kangaroos after gaining selection for their game against the Junior Kiwis, while Sharks NYC Jamayne Isaako has made the Junior Kiwi squad.
Last but not least, Nathan Gardner’s excellent form for the Jets in the NSW Cup has earned him a game for the NSW Resident’s for their game against a Queensland Cup representative team.
Country Origin Update
Originally selected on the interchange bench, Jack Bird has been elevated into the Country Origin starting line-up following the withdrawal of Newcastle five eighth Jarrod Mullen.
After just five games in the NRL the initial selection and now promotion to run on 13, caps a whirlwind start to Bird’s NRL career.
The Country v City match will be played in Wagga Wagga on Sunday.
Congratulations and good luck
The Sharks Matthews Cup and SG Ball teams both won through to the last four of their respective competitions with victories in week two of the finals series last weekend.
The under-16 Matthews Cup Sharks were too good for the Western Suburbs Magpies in winning 56-28, while in the SG Ball the Sharks groundout a 29-22 win over a determined Canberra Raiders team.
The junior Sharks now play matches at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday in a bid to win their way through to the two Grand Finals, with the Matts Cup playing the Bulldogs at 1.30pm, the SG Ball the Penrith Panthers at 3.00pm.
With no NRL football this weekend, for any Sharks fans looking for a ‘footy fix’ get along to St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday and show the boys some support.
Congratulations to both teams and good luck in your Grand Final qualifiers.
Get well soon
A Sharks News Today get well to former Sharks prop Paul Khan who had a fall and has broken his leg.
One of the best front rowers to ever wear the Sharks jersey, Paul, now 63, news came through last week that he was recovering in Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane.
Khan played 120 first grade games for the Sharks from 1975-1981 and four matches for Queensland in the State of Origin. He was also a major player in the Sharks' 26-5 victory over Combined Brisbane in the 1979 Amco Cup Final where the Cronulla club claimed its only piece of major silverware to date.
Everyone at the Sharks hopes Paul is back on his feet again very soon.
