The NYC Sharks will look to put a disappointing performance in Townsville behind them when they travel to Brookvale on Sunday to take on an in-form Manly side.
The Sharks were soundly beaten by the second-place Cowboys team, however the assignment will be just as challenging this weekend against a Sea Eagles squad which has recorded some impressive victories of late.
Coming into the contest last weekend on the back of four wins from their previous five matches, the young Sharks held high hopes of an upset result against one of the competition heavy-weights, however the Cowboys exploited Cronulla’s errors and were too good on the day in every department.
Putting that effort behind them the Sharks, currently 10th on the NYC ladder, go into the Manly clash desperate for a victory in a bid to keep in touch with the top eight.
Sitting on 16 points but with a poor for-and-against record, the Sharks are just two points behind the eighth-placed Canberra side, with Manly only two further points ahead in fourth on what is a tightly bunched Holden Cup table.
Should they hope to get the better of the Sea Eagles Sharks coach James Shepherd will need strong games from the likes of back-rower and skipper Anthony Moraitis, Junior Kiwi representative Jamayne Isaako and Australian Schoolboys hooker Jayden Brailey.
As for their opposition, the Sharks chances will be improved somewhat by the unavailability of Manly forwards Addison Demetriou and Liam Knight, with the pair in camp with the NSW Under 20’s in preparation for the game against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.
Demetriou has been in outstanding form for the Sea Eagles, highlighted by a game in which he ran for 249 metres and scored a try in his teams last start victory over the Rabbitohs.
The Sharks v Sea Eagles NYC match is scheduled for a 1.45pm kick-off at Brookvale Oval on Sunday.
