5 sharks to look out for from a DT article. No major surprises but nice to see them get a mention.
Sharks
Franklin Pele: A prop who came through in that Australian Schoolboys side that also had the likes of Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton and Tommy Talau, Pele made his NRL debut in 2021 but only played the one game before copping an injury that prevented him travelling with the team to Queensland. At his biggest tipped the scales at 135kg but has dropped a few kilos since. Should come right into the mix for a regular top 17 spot.
Jensen Taumoepeau: A Kiwi-born outside back who has been in the Sharks’ system for a few years but like a lot of the boom youngsters, has been held back by Covid. With good height and athleticism on his side, he’s in the top 30 now and it should be just a matter of time before he gets his shot.
Jonaiah Lualua: Another big, strong outside back who knows his way to the tryline. Looked a player of considerable talent in Jersey Flegg but he has some quality players ahead of him. In his favour is he is on the development list so will be staying with the top squad all season.
Kade Dykes: Yet another son of a gun whose old man Adam played more than 200 top grade games. Kade started at the Sharks when he was just 14 and is now on an NRL development contract. Initially played in the halves but his speed, footwork and acceleration has seen him shifted to fullback. Certainly knows how to sniff out a try.
Ryan Rivett: A Queensland recruit who was in the Titans system where it looked as though he might get stuck behind Toby Sexton so that’s why he took up the offer from the Sharks. Looks really impressive. Tall for a halfback and really slick on his feet with a good kicking game. Played SG Ball this year and would have pushed up into Flegg but had to go in for shoulder surgery.