Five points clear at the top of the competition table the NYC Sharks will look to continue their winning ways when they host Souths at Southern Cross Group Stadium tomorrow night.
The young Sharks notched their 10th straight victory last Saturday evening when they disposed of the Gold Coast Titans to the tune of 32-12, with the challenge now to maintain the momentum some seven weeks out from the competition finals.
Racing out to a 20-0 lead, the Sharks did enough from that point to secure the win and remain firmly entrenched in first position on the Holden Cup table.
While the Sharks opponents this weekend the South Sydney Rabbitohs are in 10th position and may at least on paper appear outclassed, recent results will certainly have the home team on notice that a difficult assignment awaits them.
Back to back draws, one of those coming against the second-placed Panthers, followed by a convincing win over the Cowboys, sees Souths arrive in good form and ready to fight for a spot in the Holden Cup top eight.
The victory over the Cowboys made it six wins for Souths from their past eight matches.
The Sharks however have managed to display remarkable consistency throughout their 13-week unbeaten streak, and with a settled line up will be confident of getting the job done once again tomorrow evening.
Missing from the line-up will again be five eighth and captain Jack Williams, his place taken by NSW under-18’s standout Luke Metcalf.
The man-of-the-match for NSW in the 18’s Origin a month ago, Metcalf scored a try on debut for the NYC Sharks in their match against the Titans while deputising for Williams, showing his trademark turn of pace.
Sharks coach John Morris has trimmed his squad back from 23 to 20 ahead of tomorrow night’s match, with the team listed below. Morris will name his 17-man team one hour prior to kick off.
The Sharks v Rabbitohs Holden Cup clash gets underway at 5.35pm at Southern Cross Group Stadium tomorrow.
NYC Team List – Round 20
Sharks v Titans
Saturday, July 21
Southern Cross Group Stadium
Kick-off – 5.35pm
1 William KENNEDY
2 Sione KATOA
3 Isaac LUMELUME
4 Bessie AUFAGA-TOOMAGA
5 Joshua TUILAGI
6 Luke METCALF
7 Kyle FLANAGAN
8 Ryan KING
9 Blayke BRAILEY
10 Brock ILETT
11 Briton NIKORA
12 Tony MATAUTIA
13 Billy MAGOULIAS
Interchange
14 Eddie FAALUA
15 Zachary FAULKNER
16 Joshua CARR
17 Johnathan TUFUGA
18 Jackson FERRIS
19 Lane FERLING
20 Daniel VASQUEZ
22 Jesse RAMIEN
25 James ROUMANOS
26 Fine KULA
