Good signs for junior Sharks in final trials

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Mon 22 Jan 2024, 01:59 PM

There was plenty to like as the young Sharks laid a strong foundation for the season ahead in their third and final trials on Saturday.

The men's Harold Matthews (under 17s) and SG Ball (19s) teams hosted the formidable Bulldogs at Sharks Academy. Although they both lost by two tries, the coaches were heartened by the performances a fortnight out from round one.

Meanwhile, the women's Lisa Fiaola (17s) side took part in a three-way trial against the Central Coast Roosters and North Sydney Bears at Hills Grammar, Kenthurst, running out two-tries-to-one victors in both 30-minute hit-outs.

And the Tarsha Gale Cup (19s) squad maintained their unbeaten pre-season form with an impressive eight-tries-to-four win over the Bears.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the men's matches.

Harold Matthews coach Brad Kelly took positives from what his team served up.

"It's getting better each week in terms of the quality of the play, but again discipline was a factor in it," Kelly said after the six-tries-to-four loss.

"A lot of penalties and six-agains which cruelled us, particularly in the first stanza of the game. But that's what trials are for - to have another look at the boys, work on different combinations and different positional options.

"I was pleased with the effort, particularly in defence. The Bulldogs are big and powerful, so they threw a bit at us and I thought the boys did a really good job of handling them for most parts of the game."

Likewise, SG Ball coach Dave Howlett saw merit in his squad's narrow defeat.

"I thought the standard from both teams was pretty good," Howlett said.

"It was a bit sloppier than I would've liked, but as far as the boys' effort and cohesion, there was definitely some progress from last week to this week."

All four junior rep teams begin their campaigns against the Tigers at PointsBet Stadium on February 3.

"It's an important two weeks until round one … These two weeks are really important for the footy side of things, but also culturally and working on combinations and cohesion on and off the field," Howlett added.

"It's a very important two weeks to get right."