Sharks' tough trial
BY BRAD FORREST AND MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
12 Feb, 2010 12:13 PM
CRONULLA Sharks will face a big test tonight after Manly coach Des Hasler named a very strong side for their 7.30pm NRL trial game at Toyota Stadium.
Included are regular stars, Brett and Glenn Stewart, wingers Michael Robertson and David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Kieran Foran, Jason King, Josh Perry, Brent Kite and Joe Galuvao. Also listed on the Manly bench is former Sharks hooker Terence Seu Seu.
The Sharks announced general admission prices only for the trial game, with a first-in basis for all grandstand and other seating.
``Having played a number of trial games at opposition, interstate and regional venues over the years, the Sharks are sticking to re-engaging the local community,'' Sharks CEO Richard Fisk said.
``The Sharks showed some brilliant glimpses of attacking football last year, and the horde of young players and new recruits along with the remaining players who busted their gut every week are sure to bring the crowds back in 2010.
``Fans also get the chance to see the Sharks `wall of support' which is almost into its third stage after a massive sales boost over the Christmas and New Year period.''
First up, some exciting youngsters will be seen in the 5.30pm under 20s trial game, including Kyle O'Donnell, brother of North Queensland representative Luke O'Donnell and Australian Rugby Union Schoolboy representative Tyson Frizzel, 18.
Although the Joe Grima-coached Sharks side won just four games last year, he said the side was well ahead of last season.
The club also has recruited former Dragons hooker Warwick Carr and Bulldogs SG Ball-winning prop Teni Waipouri. Grima nominated NSW under-18 halfback and Yarrawarrah Tigers junior Chad Townsend as a player to really improve.
He is joined by Peter Gallen, brother of Sharks Test forward Paul Gallen, and local juniors Duncan Reilly, Daniel Perkins, Callum Tutauha and Dane Malone (all Cronulla Caringbah), Dane Snelson (Bosco Bulldogs), Joel Johnson (Gymea Gorillas), Jacob Denford (Engadine Dragons), Blake Williamson (Aquinas Colts) and Haydn Peacock and Adam Goode (Yarrawarrah Tigers).
``We've got 14 players backing up from last year and another four who have another year in the NYC,'' Grima said.
