The Sharks Matthews Cup, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg teams were in action at the Sharks Academy Fields at Cronulla High School last Saturday as preparations ramped up ahead of the 2019 season.
While the boys were going about their business in the Sutherland Shire, the Tarsha Gale girls were in Corrimal where they took part in a three-way trial involving the Illawarra Steelers and Sydney Roosters.
According to Sharks Academy and Talent Identification Manager Glenn Brailey, all teams enjoyed successful outings against competitive opposition.
"They were good, solid hit outs, with the junior rep season now just a couple of weeks away," Brailey said. "It was good for all the teams to get out onto the field after working hard throughout the summer. While all the teams performed well, it was more about the coaches having an opportunity to see where their squad are at with round one not far away."
The Matthews Cup and SG Ball Sharks played their trials against the Central Coast, with both recording victories, before the Jersey Flegg Sharks tackled senior opposition when they took on the Glebe Sydney Shield side.
Glebe are the Sydney Shield feeder club of the Newtown Jets, the Sharks partners in the NSWRL Intrust Super Premiership competition.
The under 16's Matthews team started the day on a positive note when they got the better of their opponents by four tries to two, before the SG Ball squad came out on top by a one-try margin.
In the Jersey Flegg, it was the Sharks who proved a little too sharp for Glebe, scoring four tries to one in the final match of the afternoon.
As for the Tarsha Gale Sharks, the girls were in action in a three-way trial in Corrimal against the Illawarra Steelers and Sydney Roosters.
The defending champion Sharks, with a team featuring just three returnees from the side which captured the 2018 Tarsha Gale crown, were reported to be a little rusty while showing plenty of promise for the season ahead.
The Matthews Cup, SG Ball and Tarsha Gale Sharks have one final trial this weekend when they host the Newcastle Knights at the Academy Fields on Friday, before their seasons get underway with round 1 commencing on February 9.
The Jersey Flegg Sharks will now go back to the training paddock before playing their next trial against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on February 23. The Sharks NRL and Newtown ISP teams will also be in action at Brookvale on that day.
Photos courtesy Steve Montgomery - www.ourfootyteam.com
