Ramien responds in style
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He was dropped two weeks ago but Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien has been assured by coach Shane Flanagan his position is safe if he keeps performing despite his move to Newcastle next season.
Flanagan explained to the 20-year-old that he lost his spot a couple of weeks ago because they wanted see how Josh Dugan, who had returned from a groin injury, would go at centre with Matt Moylan at fullback.
Recalled for last Sunday's clash with the Panthers, he responded by bagging the only two tries for the Sharks in the second half, including the crucial try from a grubber which proved to be the difference in the narrow win.
"Flanno pulled me aside before round six and said he was going to go with Moylan at fullback and Duges in the centres," Ramien said.
"There was nothing said about standing me down because I was moving to the Knights, he just said because of our rough start to the season with injuries he wanted to try a few different combinations and see where people gelled.
Jesse Ramien v James Segeyaro
"Definitely that next week I wanted to train a bit better to make sure that if I was called up again I was ready to go.
"Come Tuesday last week he told me I was going to be back in for the Panthers game so I was pretty excited to be coming back into the side.
"Everyone wants to be in that team every week and there can only be 17 picked and to be back in that starting side this week I felt like it was a real achievement for myself.
"The energy on the weekend was great, the boys were pumped up and for me it was my first double ever in the NRL so I was stoked to get the two tries."
Match highlights: Sharks v Panthers - Round 7, 2018
The youngster has a helpful ally in Dugan, in which he says the Australian centre has already been influential for him on and off the field.
"Duges has been a big part in helping me developing my footy in that centre position," Ramien said.
"He always tips me up at training or gives me little things that I can improve on in my game.
"He's always telling me I can come to him for anything, he's been very supportive and I've learnt heaps off him already on and off the field."
