A narrow win over fellow finals contenders the Dragons last Saturday night has the NYC Sharks positioned to confirm their place in the finals when they take on Souths in a round 24 match on Monday night.
Sitting sixth the Sharks are all but assured to take part in the finals series, with wins over the closing three rounds, beginning with the Rabbitohs this weekend, having the potential to propel them into the top four.
The young Sharks would have been thrilled with their first half effort against the Dragons after establishing a 28-4 lead, and while less impressed with the second 40 minutes, pleased to come away with an important win at this critical period in their 2016 season.
Coach John Morris has named a team similar to the one which beat St George Illawarra, with prop Jaimin Jolliffe unfortunately missing after injuring a knee last Saturday night.
In his place Daniel Vasquez comes into the starting side, with Lachlan Stein back in the NYC after playing for Newtown Jets in the Intrust Super Premiership last weekend.
Souths are sitting in 15th position on the NYC ladder but shape as a dangerous opponents, especially when considering they managed a win against the Warriors over in New Zealand at their most recent start.
The NYC Sharks v Souths match is scheduled to get underway at 4.45pm at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.
The Sharks team is listed below.
NYC Team List – Round 24
Sharks v Rabbitohs
Monday, August 22
ANZ Stadium
Kick-off – 4.45pm
1 Will Kennedy
2 Sione Katoa
3 Bessie Aufaga-Toomaga
4 Lachlan Stein
5 Josh Tuilagi
6 Rhys Davies
7 Jack Williams
8 Tepa Fuiavailili
9 Jayden Brailey ©
10 Daniel Vasquez
11 Jayden Walker
12 Ash Nisbet
13 Eddie Faalua
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14 Justin Timu
15 Isaac Lumelume
16 Jesse Savage
17 Leon Tupuola
