1. Holmes right at home on the wing
Questions were asked of where Valentine Holmes would fit into the Sharks fold before a ball was kicked this season – and with an in-form fullback in Ben Barba firing on all cylinders, Holmes has again made the right wing position his own in 2016.
Four tries yesterday – and perhaps none better than the acrobatic first – took his personal tally to nine this season, just one shy of competition leader Anthony Milford on 10.
Homes has now crossed for 24 tries from his 40 games in the top grade, at a phenomenal – and ever-improving – strike rate.
2. Unsung hero Graham rewarded with a try
A late try to Wade Graham proved just rewards for his trying efforts, seen throughout the 80 minutes on Sunday.
Graham ran for 182 metres from his 22 carries, while making 15 tackles to boot.
Graham’s try was the first of his season, with many now suggesting a Blues call up awaits after yet another strong performance for the Sharks.
3. Lewis winds back the clock – again.
It seems that Luke Lewis’ ever-green legs show no signs of slowing down, and yesterday he again made minds flashback to his time as a free-running winger at the Panthers.
Lewis’ snatch-and-grab effort to leap and claim his first try of the afternoon was backed up by a trailing inside run to collect Jack Bird’s pass to complete his double.
The tries though came after several efforts where Lewis poked his nose through the line, as he showed once more his terrific form, and the growing combinations with his fellow right-edge men.
4. Big names earn a rest
Shane Flanagan was afforded a luxury most often not witnessed in Sharks matches, resting the likes of Paul Gallen & Michael Ennis for large parts of the second half.
With the side up by plenty of points and the result beyond all doubt, Ben Barba also earned a spell.
Flanagan told the media last Friday he would look to give his elder statesmen a shorter stint if possible, and heading into a busy origin period, he was able to do so.
5. Knights urged to hang tough
In the wake of the massive win, Sharks fans could be pardoned for celebrating in kind – but such was the case, those in Black, White & Blue made clear their content and respect for the Knights side, and too their supporters.
An injury crisis and a lack of luck had the Knights caught short yesterday, but their fans were aptly reminded by the Sharks supporters that better times will follow on.
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