The return of Paul Gallen and the naming of Andrew Fifita despite the fact he limped off the field with an apparent hamstring complaint last weekend is set to boost the confidence of the Sharks as they head into a crucial clash with the Panthers on Thursday night.
Missing the last two weeks with a rib injury, Gallen’s return comes at an important time for a Sharks team missing the likes of Aaron Woods, Matt Moylan and Wade Graham.
With the inclusion of the experienced pair of forwards the Sharks will feel better about their chances against an equally desperate Panthers outfit.
The two teams go into the match with identical records of two wins from five matches, with victory on Thursday night vital if they hope to keep in touch with the competition leaders.
The Sharks v Panthers match is scheduled for a 7.50pm kick-off at PointsBet Stadium on Thursday night, with a 1 v 2 Jersey Flegg clash between the same two teams getting underway at 5.20pm.
The Sharks 21-man squad is listed below.
NRL Team List – Round 6
Sharks v Panthers
Thursday, April 18
PointsBet Stadium
Kick-off – 7.50pm
1. Josh Dugan
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Josh Morris
5. Sione Katoa
6. Shaun Johnson
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Matt Prior
11. Briton Nikora
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange
14. Blayke Brailey
15. Jayson Bukuya
16. Jack Williams
17. Scott Sorenson
18. Kyle Flanagan
19. Will Kennedy
20. Braden Hamlin-Uele
21. Aaron Gray
