Sharks skipper Paul Gallen made a successful return from injury, playing over 70 minutes in his team's win over the Roosters while racking up his usual hit up and tackle numbers in an impressive first-up performance.
Gallen’s efforts earned him selection in the NSW team for State of Origin game two, where he will lead the Blues and play his 20th Origin game.
The NSW and Sharks inspirational leader had been out of action since limping from the field with a hip problem back in the Sharks round six win over the Newcastle Knights.
However while Gallen deservedly received plenty of praise for his play in the Roosters victory, equally strong for the Sharks in his return was Sosaia Feki, the winger picking up the Players Player award on the night.
Feki had been missing from the Sharks line up since injuring a knee while playing for Tonga in the Pacific Test against Samoa in early May.
In other Sharks injury news, a cracked rib appears likely to keep Ben Barba sidelined for at least one more match after the injury saw him miss the Roosters game.
Should he miss the round 15 match with the Knights Barba would be available for the Sharks away trip to Townsville to take on the high-flying North Queensland Cowboys the week following.
His availability would leave coach Shane Flanagan with an interesting selection dilemma after solid games for his back three in Michael Gordon, Valentine Holmes and Feki.
The Sharks picked up no new injury issues from the Roosters match, with Ricky Leutele also redy to return once called upon by Flanagan.
For an in-depth analysis of the Sharks ‘casualty ward’ click on the following link;
CLICK HERE - http://www.sharks.com.au/info/injury-update.html
