The Sharks can confirm their opponents and venues for the upcoming trial matches, with a meeting with the defending premiers first up for 2022.
A number of stars from both clubs will likely be missing, but that certainly won’t diminish the expectation around the Sharks first trial match ahead of the 2022 season when they tackle the defending premiers at CommBank Stadium.
After a positive pre-season under new coach Craig Fitzgibbon, one now continuing into the New Year, the Sharks will unveil a number of their young guns, as well as those players fighting for a spot in the 17-man squad for round one, when they play the Panthers at the home ground of the Parramatta Eels on Sunday, February 20.
Kick-off for the NRL trial has been scheduled for 4.00pm, with lower grade matches to be confirmed.
Next up some of the more experienced squad members will take the field for a trial against the Bulldogs, for what will be the final hit out before playing the Sharks play the Raiders to start their 2022 season.
The match against the Bulldogs will be highlighted by a return to PointsBet Stadium after the Sharks have spent the last two years away.
To be played on Monday, February 28, kick off is planned for 7.00pm, with confirmation of times and entry information to be communicated closer to the day. The Newtown Jets, the Sharks partner club in the NSW Cup competition, is scheduled to play before the NRL trial with a start time tentatively set down for 4.45pm.
With 2022 recruits Cam McInnes, Dale Finucane and Nicho Hynes expected to play their first games in Cronulla colours, against a Bulldogs side boasting a handful of newcomers themselves, the trial will be eagerly anticipated.
SHARKS 2022 Trial matches
Sharks v Panthers
Sunday, February 20
NRL Kick-off - 4.00pm
CommBank Stadium
Sharks v Bulldogs
Monday, February 28
NRL Kick-off - 7.00pm
PointsBet Stadium
