Following on from the Club debuts of Dale Finucane, Nicho Hynes and Matt Ikuvalu last weekend, another of the highly touted recruits will take to the field in Cronulla colours for the first time on Saturday night when the Sharks tackle the Eels.
Former Dragons skipper and NSW Origin squad member Cam McInnes was today cleared to play after overcoming a knee injury and is set to become Shark #550 in the big round two clash.
Sharks skipper Wade Graham, himself currently sidelined with an ankle problem, did the honours of presenting McInnes with his debut jersey, outlining a stellar playing record while praising a man he believes can make a significant contribution to the team during the 2022 season.
“Last year was a write off for Cam and it has been a long journey back, but he will be so important to us being a successful team,” Graham said.
While he missed 2021 after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season at the Dragons, before that his record, as researched and read out by Graham to the playing group at the jersey presentation, reads impressively, with a multitude of club awards at St George Illawarra prior to last season’s set back.
For McInnes, who has worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation for this opportunity to return to the field, Saturday’s kick off can’t come soon enough.
“It’s a proud moment,” he said. “It’s about a year and a half since I’ve played, so it’s been a long time coming, everyone at the club has had my back and I just want to play well tomorrow night.”
McInnes has been included on the Sharks interchange bench, with where and how he will be used to be revealed when the game gets underway.
At the same team meeting, the 50 NRL game milestone for Sione Katoa was also recognised, the try scoring winger presented with his embroidered jersey by close friend and fellow outside back Ronaldo Mulitalo.
“From where I’ve come and to where I am today, this means a lot to my family,” the quietly spoken Katoa said.
The Sharks v Eels match is scheduled for a 5.30pm kick-off at PointsBet Stadium.
