After he was a late withdrawal from the game against the Broncos due to concerns over his hamstring, Josh Dugan will make a return this week for the Sharks in their clash with the Storm at PointsBet Stadium.
Sharks Coach John Morris opted for Dugan at fullback in place of youngster Will Kennedy after he was declared fit earlier this morning. Dugan was on light duties during the week however he participated in the majority of the Captain’s Run yesterday and is good to go for tonight’s crucial round eight match.
Kennedy drops out of the Sharks side however following an encouraging debut match in round six is destined to see more game time in the NRL in the weeks ahead.
In other Sharks changes, the experienced Aaron Gray has been included on the wing, with Sosaia Feki ruled out with a leg problem.
Gray played just one game for the Sharks in 2018 and has been plying his trade with the Newtown Jets in the Canterbury Cup so far this season. In an NRL career which began 2015, Gray played 42 NRL matches with the South Sydney Rabbitohs before making the switch to the Sharks last year.
If it is a straight swap with Feki, Gray would partner Josh Morris on the Sharks left hand side.
Otherwise, the Sharks team is as selected on Tuesday, Briton Nikora in the side after serving a one-match suspension and with Kyle Flanagna named in the number six jersey to replace the injured Shaun Johnson.
Kick-off to the Sharks v Storm match is at 7.50pm, with the 17-man Sharks squad listed below.
NRL Team List – Round 8
Sharks v Storm
Friday, May 3
PointsBet Stadium
Kick-off – 7.50pm
21. Josh Dugan
20. Aaron Gray
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Josh Morris
5. Sione Katoa
6. Kyle Flanagan
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. Braden Hamlin-Uele
