Tough test for NYC Sharks in NZ
Thursday 2 August 2012 12:33 PM
Wins in successive weeks over the second placed Panthers and third on the ladder Raiders has the Toyota Cup Sharks in form and looking to score a unique hat trick when they travel to New Zealand on Sunday.
In ninth position and pushing hard for a top eight berth some five weeks out from the finals, the Sharks have a big assignment but all the same an exciting challenge when they take on Toyota Cup leaders the Warriors.
With their backs against the wall following a big loss to the Dragons some three weeks ago, the form reversal has been significant, with the Sharks outstanding against Canberra, then maybe even better in beating Penrith last week.
This week however the task hardly gets any easier; with the Warriors two points clear at the top of the NYC table.
Again the Sharks will be looking for some inspiration from 2012 under 20’s Origin hooker
Michael Lichaa, with the local product recently rewarded for his ability in signing on with the club for a further two years.
With his ability to create attacking opportunities from dummy half, Lichaa was at his scheming best last week against the Panthers and made a major contribution to his teams’ victory.
From the Yarrawarrah and Cronulla Caringbah clubs, Sharks NRL coach Shane Flanagan and his staff have recognised Lichaa’s potential inoffering the new deal, with his latest contract set to see him join the full time NRL training group in 2013.
“He has re-signed for another two years and he will be with the full time squad next year, which is big thing for any young kid,” Flanagan explained. “He can play 20’s again for us next year but we would certainly be hoping, given his potential and his ability, that he can also get a few first grade games under his belt.”
http://www.sharks.com.au/news-display/sharks/60730
