After a convincing victory over the third placed Eels at their last start the NYC Sharks head into a clash with the table topping Panthers confident of a bold showing this Sunday.
The Sharks handed in perhaps their most complete performance of the 2016 season in beating the Eels by 36-10 at Southern Cross Group Stadium and while the challenge confronting them lifts to another level this weekend they have at least shown an ability to compete with the competition heavyweights.
The Panthers sit five points clear at the top of the NYC ladder having lost just one game through 17 rounds this season.
Sharks Coach John Morris has made two forced changes to his line up, with Jayden McDonough unfortunately suffering a serious knee injury in the victory over Parramatta. Highly consistent backrower Ash Nisbet has been promoted to the Newtown Jets team in the Intrust Super Premiership.
Eddie Faalua is in for McDonough for what will be just his second NYC game for the Sharks, while Tony Matautia has been included in the run on side for Nisbet.
Winger Sione Katoa has been retained after a strong performance last Saturday night.
The Sharks play the Panthers at Pepper Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 1.45pm.
NYC Team List – Round 18
Sharks v Panthers
Sunday, July 9
Pepper Stadium
Kick-off – 1.45pm
1 Will Kennedy
2 Sione Katoa
3 Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga
4 Lachlan Stein
5 Josh Tuilagi
6 Jack Williams
7 Rhys Davies
8 Tepa Fuiavailili
9 Jayden Brailey ©
10 Jaimin Jolliffe
11 Jesse Savage
12 Tony Matautia
13 Eddie Faalua
INTERCHANGE
14 Justin Timu
15 Brock Ilett
16 Billy Magoulias
17 Daniel Vasquez
