News- SHARKS BREAK FOR CHRISTMAS

[Dutchie1983]

The Sharks will train tomorrow before taking a well-earned break during the Christmas-New Year period, returning January 8.

The full-time squad will have eight weeks of pre-season work under their belts before the training break and on their return will have another five weeks of training prior to their first trial against the Parramatta Eels on February 17.

The Sharks three trial matches will be against the Eels in Parkes, the Rabbitohs in Gosford on February 24 and the Knights in Cessnock on March 3. Their first match of the 2007 NRL season is at home against the Panthers on Saturday, March 17.

Among those to impress during pre-season training have been Phil Leuluai, who has battled his way back to fitness after overcoming a couple of niggling injuries in 2006, and Reece Williams, who will be pushing hard for a spot in the talented Sharks back row. Williams has bulked up in the gym during pre-season and Sharks fans should see a bigger, stronger player go around next year.

Ben Ross is also back in full training since recovering from the serious knee injury suffered early in 2006, while David Simmons will resume full training after the players return from their Christmas break. Simmons underwent shoulder surgery towards the end of last season.

Of the new boys, the lanky former Knight Dustin Cooper has been a surprise packet and is rated amongst the Sharks fastest players. Experienced prop Craig Stapleton has also impressed with his ability and professional attitude.

 

[Nulla Boy]

damn i'm excited about 2007...BRING IT THE F--K ON!WHOOOOOOO!

 

[fancyman]

me 2

 

[KELPIE]

IT would be good to see Phil Leuluai back in first grade again.

We really do have a lot of depth in the forward pack don't we.

 

[Great White]

We seem to have a lot of depth in most positions barring fullback.

 

[vince]

i agree kelpie he is a very underated player hope he has a good year

 

[hosko64]

I can't wait how many more sleeps for a old die hard fan

 

[sharkiesfreak]

57 more sleeps until the parra trial game cant wait for the season to kick off all this hype is great for the club and now i cant wait for ricky and the boys to bring it home for us all and get back up were the club belongs UP THE TOP

 

[sharks195]

there is only one thing i want to see changed at the club, the inclusion of phil leuluai, he has had many great seasons in pl and still hasn't played much nrl. i would look forward to his inclusion in 07.

 

[brently]

encouraging to see so many leuluai fans out there. he added so much to our pack in 05. can't wait to see him back in the top grade. the pressure will be on for all fowards in 07, sooo much depth.

 

[sharks195]

i have always wanted to see leuluai play in the nrl for us!

 

[jimmymac]

the man has the talent because he played pretty well for us the season before last. i recall him getting a kiwi tour spot that year when they went to england for the tri- nations, but i don't think he got any game time. forgotten man of the sharks pack, and a good year from him would make it interesting. all the talk about depth this offseason , and i'm sure you have all been just like me, and haven't taken leuleai into consideration, which makes it all the better for our pack this year.

 

[sharks195]

i actually have been eagerly anticipating leuluai's return to the nrl, and he hasn't played in the nrl since i think 2005.

 

[Great White]

He was injured most of this season which did not help his cause any. Plus the second rowers in front of him were killing it.