Sharks Coach Shane Flanagan today announced a 20-man squad to travel to the UK for their Dacia World Club Challenge match against English champions Wigan on February 19.
Flanagan’s squad contains 13 members of the Sharks Grand Final winning side, new recruits Jeremy Latimore and Daniel Mortimer, and three hookers, with young local junior Jayden Brailey, Fa’amanu Brown and Mortimer all included in the travelling party.
In naming 20, Flanagan has been forced to leave a handful of injured players behind, most notably Valentine Holmes, Sosaia Feki and new buy Tony Williams, while he is keeping his cards close his chest as to who might slot into the fullback role.
Gerard Beale appears to be the most obvious choice, with Jack Bird another option.
Another interesting selection is Jesse Raimen, with the NYC-eligible outside back impressing at last weekend’s NRL Auckland Nines.
Raimen, who played all three matches in New Zealand, scored two tries against the Bulldogs in his teams’ final pool match.
The group departs for the UK on Saturday and will base in London until Thursday before heading north to Manchester to put the finishing touches on their match preparations.
The Sharks v Wigan clash is scheduled for a 3.00pm kick-off on Sunday UK time (2.00am Monday Sydney time) at DW Stadium.
Sharks World Club Challenge Squad
Jack Bird
Jesse Raimen
Gerard Beale
Ricky Leutele
Kurt Capewell
James Maloney
Chad Townsend
Paul Gallen
Wade Graham
Luke Lewis
Andrew Fifita
Matt Prior
Chris Heighington
Jeremy Latimore
Jayson Bukuya
Daniel Mortimer
Fa’amanu Brown
Jayden Brailey
Joseph Paulo
Sam Tagataese
