Sharks announce 2025 male pathways coaches

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Thu 19 Dec 2024, 04:14 PM

The Sharks are pleased to announce coaching appointments for the club's male Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg Cup squads ahead of the 2025 NSWRL Junior Representative seasons.

Now in the midst of pre-season training, the squads will officially launch their campaigns in February (bar Jersey Flegg, which runs alongside the NRL season).

Brad Kelly will step up as head coach of the under-19 SG Ball team, replacing Dave Howlett, who will remain heavily involved with the pathways program.

Kelly spent the past three seasons leading the Harold Matthews side, reaching the finals each time. Luke Bateman will replace him at the helm of the under-17 team, having been an SG Ball assistant to Howlett in previous years.

Andrew Dallalana remains in charge of the under-21 Jersey Flegg squad after guiding his young Sharks to this year's Grand Final against the Bulldogs.

The accomplished head coaches will be ably backed up by well-credentialed support staff, many of whom came through the grades at Cronulla as players. They will look to build upon a successful 2024 campaign in which the Harold Matthews side reached the second week of the playoffs and SG Ball just missed out on the finals.

Several NRL greats will also impart their wisdom on the youngsters. Ex-Sharks captains Wade Graham and Dale Finucane are helping to mentor the Harold Matthews and SG Ball squads while Mitch Healey is a Jersey Flegg assistant.

"With a wealth of experience and knowledge, our male pathways coaching staff are equipped to deliver success while prioritising development and education," Sharks Development & Pathways Manager Glenn Brailey said.

"It's also great to have NRL champions like Wade and Dale lending a hand at training, fostering a 'one club' mentality and offering invaluable insights.

"We're set up for an exciting 2025 across all NSWRL competitions and look forward to watching the squads as they participate in trials before Christmas."

The Harold Matthews and SG Ball extended squads will face the Rabbitohs in trials at the Sharks Academy fields on Friday, December 20. Kick-off in the Harold Matthews match is scheduled for 5pm, followed by SG Ball at 6.30pm.

CLICK HERE for information on the 2025 NSWRL competition draws.