An extra week on the sidelines will have Ben Barba fit and raring to go, while Andrew Fifita’s calf injury has responded to treatment and he has also been named to take on the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Slated for a return last weekend against Manly, medical staff took the cautious option with Barba and held the star utility back for one more week to ensure he would be at full fitness for an assault on the finals series starting this weekend.
Barba injured his ankle late in the Sharks loss to the Melbourne Storm back in round 23.
As for one half of the Fifita double act, Andrew had been spotted around town sporting a moon boot after suffering a slight mishap at training last Thursday night.
Fifita injured what was described by Coach Shane Flanagan in his post-game media conference after the Manly game as a ‘caveman muscle’ in his calf, which relates to a rare muscle which exists in only a small percentage of the population.
The injury however wasn’t rated as serious and Fifita is almost certain to be fit to return against the Bunnies on Sunday.
Andrew and his twin David have been suspended since round 21 for an off-field indiscretion and both will be keen to make an impact in the finals series, starting with a big game this weekend.
As for the remainer of the Sharks squad, not taking into account the bumps and bruises that go hand in hand with an arduous 26-round NRL season, they have all been given a clean bill of health all are expected to be available for the sudden death finals match up.
Flanagan has named 20 players in a provisional squad, with decisions needing to be made later in the week as to the finals make up of his 17-man side.
The game on Sunday is scheduled for a 4.00pm kick-off at Allianz Stadium, with free buses leaving Sharkies Leagues Club from 12.30pm to take fans to the Moore Park venue.
Integrated ticketing also sees the cost of train travel included with all pre-purchased tickets.
Go to the Sharks Gameday page for all your match-related information – CLICK HERE - http://www.sharks.com.au/game-day/2015/nrl-finals-week-1-.html
