After a disappointing loss to the Brett Kimmorley-coached Wests Tigers Holden Cup side last weekend at Remondis Stadium, the young Sharks will be out to atone and get back on the front foot in their Round 25 clash away from home.
Although out of finals contention, there have been several bright lights in an otherwise difficult last month for the Sharks NYC squad.
The form of hooker-turn-half Brad Deitz has caught the eye of many a good judge, while the blinding pace and skill of Joshua Addo-Carr continues to excite Sharks fans in the look ahead to the future.
But it is in looking back to the years bygone and a name synonymous with the black, white and blue, that has the potential to leave Sharks fans hanging for more.
Scouted as a Queensland Rugby talent, Jack Rogers – son of Mat, and grandson of the late great Steve – is poised to make his NYC Sharks debut against the Eels on Saturday.
In a battle of 13th versus 14th, Coach James Shepherd and the rest of the Cronulla onlookers will get their first glimpse of Rogers in action, with plenty hoping he’ll receive some early ball and a chance to showcase his skills.
In other team news, Jack Williams – grandson of the late Reg Gasnier – has been named to start at five-eighth after a successful SG ball campaign earlier this season.
Ryan Cummins retains his spot at fullback, while regular starting prop Harrison Muller remains ineligible for selection due to suspension.
Parramatta meanwhile are coming off the back of three consecutive losses, and will without doubt be looking to shut down the Cronulla efforts on Saturday morning in a bid to get back to winning ways.
NYC Team List – Round 25
Sharks (14th) v Eels (13th)
Saturday, August 29
Pirtek Stadium
Kick-off – 10.40am
1 Ryan Cummins
2 Levy Sopi
3 Joshua Addo-Carr
4 Curtis Scott
5 Jack Rogers
6 Jack Williams
7 Brad Deitz
8 Alec Susino
9 Jayden Brailey
10 Francis Laloua-Tui
11 Anthony Moraitis
12 Ashleigh Nisbet
13 Jaden Clarke
INTERCHANGE
15 Jayden McDonogh
16 Jesse Savage
17 Billy Magoulias
18 Tepa Fuiava
19 Leon Tupuola
20 Daniel Vasquez
