While it was again a physical confrontation on Monday night as the Sharks went down to the Manly Sea Eagles, the team emerged from the contest without any major injury problems.
Jack Bird was of most concern after he was forced from the field with concussion, felled by a high shot from Martin Tapou, however the Sharks young gun is so far showing no ill-effects and should he pass the concussion protocols later in the week he will be good to take his place in the team to play the Melbourne Storm on Monday night.
As for the Sharks unavailable this weekend, David Fifita has been ill and while he continues his recovery he won’t be considered this week, nor will young hooker Matt McIlwrick.
McIlwrick received an accidental poke in the eye playing for Newtown in a round two match in the Intrust Super Premiership in Newcastle and missed the Jets game in New Zealand last weekend.
After further medical assessment McIlwrick will be kept out of another week but is likely to resume full training soon ahead of a return to the field in round five.
In some good news on the injury front Kurt Capewell has made a speedy recovery from a knee injury and after missing just one match makes a comeback on Saturday in the ISP where Newtown play the Manly Sea Eagles.
While in relation to Paul Gallen, the Sharks skipper is progressing nicely following minor surgery to his knee after the round one match against the Cowboys. Gallen would love to be available to play the Storm on Monday, however Sharks medical staff are likely to keep him sidelined for at least one more week.
