Beating the third-placed Eels in a dominating performance was impressive, however the challenge becomes even tougher for the NYC Sharks this weekend when they travel to the foot of the mountains to take on the table-topping Panthers in Sunday.
The young Sharks turned in one of their most complete 80-minute efforts so far in 2016 in beating the Eels by 36-10, with all concerned following the John Morris game plan to a tee.
The Sharks led 22-0 at half time before going on with the job in the second period, with their win moving them up to sixth on the ladder and within striking distance of the top four.
This Sunday however the Morris’s boys will need to lift another cog, with the Panthers almost untouchable through 17 rounds of the NYC competition.
In 14 matches played this year the Panthers have won 13, included amongst them a hard-fought 24-14 victory over the Sharks in what was one of their closest contests of the year.
Penrith sit five-point clear on top of the ladder and they also have a deferred match to play still up their sleeve.
This Sharks side though has displayed plenty of character and courage throughout the season and a bold showing, even an upset result, certainly wouldn’t surprise.
Coach Morris has retained the majority of the team which beat the Eels, with the exception of backrower Ash Nisbet, who gets his chance in the Intrust Super Premiership and lock Jayden McDonough, who sadly saw his season cut short by a serious knee injury suffered last Saturday night.
Also adding to come uncertainly, the Sharks have included both Lachlan Stein and Jaimin Jolliffe in the NYC team, with the pair named in the Newtown Jets ISP team alongside Nisbet.
Decisions as to where the two NYC boys will play will be made tonight.
The Sharks v Panthers NYC game is scheduled to get underway at 1.45pm at Pepper Stadium on Sunday.
