After a nail-biting victory over the Dragons last weekend all but confirmed their participation in the Finals Series the NYC Sharks have an opportunity to push for a top four berth when they tackle the Rabbitohs on Monday night.
The Sharks squandered a big half time lead against the Dragons but managed to hold on to claim a two point win, one which give John Morris’s squad plenty of confidence heading into the big games to come.
The young Sharks were outstanding in the first period last weekend in what was close to their best 40 minutes of the season, with the forwards controlling their rivals and the backs running rampant.
The second half didn’t go quite according to the script from there but in moving to 29 competition points, coupled with a Broncos loss on Thursday night, and the Sharks can’t be eliminated from the finals race.
First equation from here however is to beat a Souths team which has had a disappointing 2016 season but which shapes as a dangerous opponent after registering a strong win away from home against the Warriors at their last start.
Assisting the Sharks cause will be the inclusion of Lachlan Stein, with the stocky centre missing last week while playing in the Intrust Super Premiership for the Newtown Jets.
Stein, along with wingers Sione Katoa and Josh Tuilagi provide plenty of thrust and go forward for the Sharks, with Morris certain to be looking for more of the same on Monday.
In another bonus for the Sharks backrower Jayden Walker, after an extended period out of the game, is returning to peak form and fitness, with his strong charges on the edge certain to give the Souths defense plenty of headaches.
Despite sitting seventh the Sharks are just one point behind the fourth-placed Wests Tigers who knocked over the ladder-leading Panthers last night, with a win over the Rabbits a must if they are continue their momentum and push towards the finals.
The Sharks v Souths NYC clash kicks off at 4.45pm at ANZ Stadium on Monday night.
