In a huge boost to the Sharks ahead of their round five match against the Wests Tigers, skipper Paul Gallen was front and centre at the teams’ field session at the Academy Training Fields at Cronulla High School today.
Gallen has missed three weeks of football after injuring his knee in the season-opener in Townsville, with his return at least two weeks ahead of what was originally expected.
The Sharks inspirational leader completed the full session today in addition to 15-20 minutes of extras where he went through some defensive drills with teammates David Fifita and Matt McIlwrick.
The trio missed last weeks’ games but are all set to be fit to play this weekend.
While McIlwrick will slot back into the Newtown Jets team after missing two matches with an eye injury, the status of David Fifita remains unclear.
David suffered an infection to his knee and was hospitalised for a period of around seven days but has since made a full recovery. He hasn’t been named in either the Sharks NRL squad or the Newtown Intrust Super Premiership team but he could make an unexpected return on Saturday in either the NRL or for the Jets should be he given the green light by Sharks medical staff.
Of the other Sharks squad members not named, Jordan Drew suffered a concussion two weeks ago playing for the Jets and will continue to be assessed before being allowed back onto the playing field, with Gerard Beale another notable omission from the team sheets this weekend.
Beale has no injury concern with Sharks NRL Coach Shane Flanagan keeping his cards close to his chest about his plans for the Kiwi outside back. Beale was on the interchange bench for the Sharks v Storm match last Monday but didn’t get any time on the field.
Following a rest day on Tuesday a few Sharks NRL team members reported to work today a little sore after a bruising encounter on Monday night, however the selected team trained earlier this morning and appears fit and likely to be intact come Saturday night.
Can't make it to Campbelltown Stadium this Saturday? Enjoy the match from the next best place, at the Summertime Bar at Sharks Leagues on the BIGGEST screen in the Shire!
