The Sharks sit atop the Piha Pool coming into their final group stage match at the NRL Auckland Nines, giving coach Shane Flanagan the opportunity to blood two of the clubs’ up and coming stars.
Hooker Jayden Brailey and outside back Jesse Afunga-Toomaga have been included in the Sharks 14-man squad, with the pair to make their debuts in top company at the NRL Nines.
Both are NYC eligible but have trained during the summer with the NRL squad, with the experience in Auckland set to be priceless coming into the 2016 season.
A win over the Raiders will ensure the Sharks top their group, however a loss has the potential to alter the seedings for the quarter-final stage.
The rain that was around yesterday is so far holding off, with fine conditions expected for the match which is scheduled to kick off at 1.35pm local time (11.35am AEDT).
SHARKS NRL 9’s Game 3 v Raiders, Eden Park – 1.35.pm (11.35am Sydney Time)
1. Ben Barba
2. Jordan Drew
3. Gerard Beale
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Mitch Brown
6. Jack Bird
9. Matt McIlwrick
10. Sam Tagataese
12. Joseph Paulo
13. Chris Heighington (c)
14. David Fifita
16. Jayden Brailey
17. Josh Cleeland
18. Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga
Not required game three – Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Matt Prior, Kurt Capewell
