A gritty win over the Roosters has set the scene for the Sharks to return home in their quest for 15 victories in succession when they play the Newcastle Knights on Sunday.
Despite a few anxious moments the Sharks survived to beat the Roosters 32-20 last night to extend their winning run while maintaining top spot on the NRL ladder.
This week the Sharks will again need to be on their game against an improving Knights side, one that was unlucky not to claim the scalp of the Melbourne Storm at their last start.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, as he stated in the press conference last night has elected not to rest any of his Origin stars, preferring to lighten their training load during the week, with the Cronulla side again a formidable one on paper.
Andrew Fifita returns after a week on the sidelines due to suspension, with the remainder of the Sharks team intact. Fa’amanu Brown, who slotted onto the Sharks bench for the Roosters clash in Fifita’s absence, has not been named to take on the Knights.
The Sharks v Knights match is to be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday during what is Men of League round, with the proceeds of fund raising activities on the day to go to young Sharks junior rep player Lachlan Smith who recently suffered a stroke and continues his rehabilitation.
NRL TEAM LIST – Round 20|
Sharks v Knights
Sunday, July 24
Southern Cross Group Stadium
Kick-off – 2.00pm
1. BEN BARBA
2. SOSAIA FEKI
3. JACK BIRD
4. GERARD BEALE
5. VALENTINE HOLMES
6. JAMES MALONEY
7. CHAD TOWNSEND
8. ANDRW FIFITA
9. MICHAEL ENNIS
10. SAM TAGATAESE
11. LUKE LEWIS
12. WADE GRAHAM
13. PAUL GALLEN
14. JOSEPH PAULO
15. CHRIS HEIGHINGTON
16. MATT PRIOR
17. JAYSON BUKUYA