Sticking to the training schedules which have been in place throughout the 2015 season, the Sharks had a day off training today and will return tomorrow to continue their preparations for Saturday’s game.
As has been written by a number of former coaches and players, after a long season, getting ready to play finals is almost more about freshening the team up after a taxing NRL season that it is about training, fitness and ball work.
Consequently the Sharks training week seems like a light one – which it probably is – with training Wednesday, including a field then strength session, a day off Thursday then a Captain’s Run on Friday.
The team will then travel to Townsville following their final training run on Friday.
While the players were away the coaches were hard at work, with Head Coach Shane Flanagan and his assistants Steve Price and James Shepherd putting together their video analysis of the Cowboys and the game plans they think can be successful come Saturday.
The playing group will go over the video on Wednesday before training begins.
As for the players, a few wandered in for routine treatments with physiotherapist Efrem Bunguric. Those in the extended squad who didn’t get any game time on the weekend had a conditioning run in a bid to keep their fitness at a level so as if required they can step up over the coming weeks should the team continue their winning run this weekend.
No news was coming out of the Sharks camp today regarding Valentine Holmes and the injury he suffered in the victory over Souths last Sunday.
Holmes is battling a cork above his knee but he has been selected in the Sharks team and is expected to be fit to play in the semi-final in his old home town of Townsville.
He has been named in the 18-man Sharks squad and in a display in the confidence the medical staff have that he will be good to go on Saturday, no obvious replacement has been named in the outside backs.
There have been no changes to the team which played on Sunday, with Matt Prior added to the interchange bench.
The Sharks can also announce a member/fan get together in Townsville on Friday night for locals and any Sharks supporters making the trip north.
The Sharks supporters event will be held on Friday, September 18 at the Kirwan Hotel from 7pm – 9pm. Come in your Sharks gear, hear from CEO Lyall Gorman and former Shark Luke Covell, with a raffle taking place for a signed jersey, prizes of tickets to the game and more.
The night presents as the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow Sharks fans and unite as one before the game against the Cowboys on Saturday night.
North Queensland Sharks fans should also note that the Sharks Merchandise Van will be making the tip to Townsville. Look for it inside the northern turnstiles at 1300SMILES Stadium on game day.
