After two years based at the Loftus Tafe, the Sharks have moved the majority of their training back to Toyota Park, partly in a bid to make the team fell more at home when kickoff time
comes around on the weekends. They are extremely keen to return to the days where winning away against the Sharks was almost worthy of four competition points rather than two.
The players are fit, enthusiastic and primed to show the disappointments of last year should be quickly forgotten.
While the old heads look primed for big things, already a number of the young guns are putting their best foot forward hoping to press for an opportunity in the top grade come the start of the
season in March.
Young fullback/centre/winger David Simmons has looked sensational on the training paddock, as has Paul Franze, returning from a knee injury that saw him miss the majority of 2003.
Russell Aitken, touted as a potential representative player by many good judges, is now injury free and ready to show just what he is capable of.
Andrew Emelio, a player who received limited first grade opportunities last year is fitter, stronger and keener than every before. He could well be a smoky when the coaching staff sits down in February/March to select the top team.
In the forwards, while the abilities of Danny Nutley, Chris Beattie and Jason Stevens are without question, a bunch of youngsters are showing early signs of being more than adequate back ups.
Expect to see the likes of Jon Green, Nathan Vagg, Dale Newton, Keith Galloway, Michael Greenfield and Jason Williams, along with the more experienced Roy Friend and Shaun Wessels, pushing the established stars for places in the front row.
And at the back of the scrum, Chris Piper, Cameron Ciraldo, Daniel Dumas and Reece Williams, while short on experience, are no doubt long on talent judging by what they have already produced
in the pre season.
On top of those mentioned, add the new boys who will turn out in Sharks colours for the first time, including Andrew Lomu, Nigel Vagana, Dimiti Pelo, Nathan Merrit and Michael Russo. All have
adapted to football down Cronulla way with barely a hitch and are sure to make major contributions in 2004.
So dont wait any longer to get your season seat for next year. Prices vary according to where the seats are located, with excellent positions in all stands and on the concourse, still available.
Alas it appears they don't care.
