Healthy competition for NRL spots is heating up with under six weeks until the Sharks' first trial of season 2024.
After back-to-back finals appearances, coach Craig Fitzgibbon has a talented, settled squad at his disposal. However, there are plenty of young guns pushing for first-grade berths and keeping the experienced players on their toes.
In a new series, sharks.com.au is running an eye over the stocks in each position. To kick things off, we've analysed the potential contenders for the fullback role.
Fullback options
Will Kennedy
After a strong 2023 season that was unfortunately curtailed by a hamstring injury, the No.1 jersey appears to be in Kennedy's keeping to begin the year.
Having played 81 NRL matches since his debut in 2019, the silky Bathurst product has proven he can mix it with the game's best custodians on his day.
Blessed with superb attacking instincts and timing, he scored 14 tries and set up a further seven in 19 appearances last year.
Kade Dykes
An ACL injury prevented Dykes from taking the field last season, but the 21-year-old is hoping to be available come trial time. The local junior provided a glimpse of his immense talent in two NRL games at fullback in 2022.
Also capable of playing at five-eighth and centre, if Dykes can't displace Kennedy then he could force his way into first grade elsewhere in the backline.
Daniel Atkinson
Like Dykes, Atkinson's valuable versatility means he can capably slot in at fullback if required. He filled the position in an NRL trial against the Knights last year and showed his class by scoring a clever try.
But given the skilful Italian international spent most of last season in the NSW Cup playing five-eighth for Newtown, his best shot at adding to his two NRL appearances might come as a half or bench utility.
Liam Ison
While only 19 and still physically developing, Ison has impressed during the pre-season after arriving from the Panthers. A zippy fullback in the mould of Ryan Papenhuyzen, the speedster is part of the full-time NRL training squad and will continue to progress throughout 2024.
While a first-grade debut may not be on the immediate radar, the youngster is certainly an exciting prospect.
