Sharks v Titans - Trial

[Hammerhead]

The Sharks have struck a deal to play a trial match against the Gold Coast Titans in Darwin next year.

Both clubs have committed to sending full-strength teams -- including Paul Gallen, Greg Bird, Mat Rogers and Preston Campbell-- to play in the game next February.

Sharks CEO Tony Zappia told the NT News: "As a club we're certainly looking forward to playing up there in Darwin in 2009.

"We've had very positive negotiations with the NT Government about Darwin and it's highly likely we'll be able to shortly finalise all the necessary arrangements.

"It's exciting news for us and our feedback from everyone up there is the response will be huge.''

 

[Megashark]

I can imagine that Caringbah Shark will be particularly stoked to hear this news!

 

[Caringbah Shark]

Mate you have no idea!!!!!!

 

[bort]

WHAT ABOUT ME!?
it isnt fair...


all i get is some lame rabbits matches

 

[Lobotomy-Shark]

I'm there!!!

 

[Caringbah Shark]

Rugby League is certanly growing up here in the top end, and the sharks have a small but loyal following!

 

[Google News]

Sharks confirm Top End trial

It is likely Barrett will be with the Cronulla squad when it plays a trial game in Darwin in February FINANCIALLY-troubled NRL club Cronulla will definitely ...

Source: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2008/11/20/16985_ntsport.html

Sharks confirm Top End trial
November 20th, 2008

NEW BOY: Former St George-Illawarra star Trent Barrett joined his new Cronulla Sharks teammates in training for the first time yesterday. It is likely Barrett will be with the Cronulla squad when it plays a trial game in Darwin in February

FINANCIALLY-troubled NRL club Cronulla will definitely fulfil its obligation to play in February's NRL trial clash at Richardson Park.

Southern reports late last week said the Sharks were broke and in danger of sinking under a cash crisis, leading to speculation the February 21 clash against the Gold Coast in Darwin was in doubt.

But Northern Territory Rugby League general manager Gary Launt poured cold water on that talk saying that the Sharks will be here, having inked a five-figure financial deal with the NT Government to play the much-awaited trial.

"Cronulla are fine - as far as I am aware they will be here," Launt said.

"My discussions with them are that they are definitely coming and looking forward to being in Darwin in February.

"I know all Territory league fans are eagerly anticipating the game and it is definitely on."

If anything, the match is starting to build in momentum with both clubs itineraries now finalised by government officials.

The NRL trial will be the main event on what is set to be a historic night for Territory rugby league with the debut of the Northern Territory under-18 and under-16 teams in the national competition.

More than 9000 people attended the previous NRL trial held in the Top End between Newcastle and Penrith in 2007.

 

[Google News]

Sharks unveil Barrett in NT

CRONULLA will unveil marquee off-season buy Trent Barrett for the first time in Darwin next month. The February 21 NRL pre-season trial clash against the ...

Source: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/01/19/28051_ntsport.html

Sharks unveil Barrett in NT
GREGOR MACTAGGART
January 19th, 2009

Trent Barrett

CRONULLA will unveil marquee off-season buy Trent Barrett for the first time in Darwin next month.

The February 21 NRL pre-season trial clash against the Gold Coast Titans at Richardson Park will mark Barrett's much-awaited return to top-level Australian rugby league, having spent the past two seasons with glamour English club Wigan.

Cronulla football manager Steve Litvensky confirmed Barrett, a veteran of seven Origins for NSW and 13 tests for Australia, would be a certain starter at Richardson Park.

"Trent will be playing in Darwin, he's been named in our squad and we're not expecting that to change unless of injury," Litvensky told the Northern Territory News from Sydney.

"He's a quality player and we're all looking forward to seeing him in a Sharks jersey."

Barrett, 31, who made his name with the Sharks' fierce rivals St George-Illawarra, won't be the only "star" looking to make an immediate impression to the Cronulla faithful in the Top End.

Fellow prized off-season recruits Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters) and Reni Maitua (Bulldogs) have also been named in the provisional Sharks squad.

"The Darwin trial is very important for our preparation because it's the first real hitout for our top-graders," he said.

"A lot of the guys haven't been up there before - they're excited and keen to perform."

Australian and NSW second-rower Paul Gallen is another major inclusion, while virtuoso fullback Brett Kearney, talented prop Luke Douglas, point-scoring machine Luke Covell and prodigious halfback Brett Seymour also feature.

Opponents Gold Coast have released an early squad with co-captains Scott Prince and Luke Bailey the headline acts.

Pocket dynamo Preston Campbell is also there, as is Mat Rogers, who lived here as a teen when his dad, the late, great Steve Rogers was ex-general manager of the DRL.

Tickets on sale from DEC, Oasis News and Lotto (Palmerston), Top End Visitor Information Centre (Bennett St).

CRONULLA: Paul Gallen, Trent Barrett, Brett Kearney, Dave Simmons, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Misi Taulapapa, Fraser Anderson, Corey Hughes, Terence Seu Seu, Ben Ross, Luke Douglas, Ben Pomeroy, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Mitch Brown, Blake Green, Kade Snowden, Jack Afamasaga, Reece Williams, Jacob Selmes.

GOLD COAST: Scott Prince, Jordan Atkins, Luke Bailey, Preston Campbell, Aaron Cannings, Daniel Conn, Brett Delaney, Nathan Friend, Josh Graham, Ashley Harrison, Michael Henderson, Ben Jeffrey, Will Matthews, Brad Meyers, Mark Minichiello, Luke O'Dwyer, Mat Rogers, Sam Tagataese, Esi Tonga, Chris Walker, Matthew White, William Zillman.

 

[Megashark]

More trial details from the club website:

SHARKS TO TRIAL IN DARWIN AND CESSNOCK

Trial matches in Darwin against the Titans and Cessnock in opposition to the Knights, highlights the Sharks pre-season schedule which gets underway this weekend in Canberra.

The majority of the Sharks NRL stars will make the trip to Darwin to tackle the Titans on February 21, with most backing up against the Knights the following week at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley on the 28th.

However prior to those two games, this week sees a number of the Sharks NSW Cup and Toyota Cup players head south to play the Raiders in a match to take place at Seiffert Oval, Queenbeyan on Saturday evening. Kickoff to the that game will be at 6.00pm, with Matthews Cup and SG Ball trials to begin at 2.30pm and 4.00pm respectively.

While all trial games have similar importance in terms of pre-season preparations, it is the Darwin match which will perhaps generate the most interest, with the likes of Trent Barrett, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua and Corey Hughes potentially playing their first games in Sharks colours.

For Darwin locals or those Sharks fans looking for an alternative rugby league experience, tickets have already gone on sale for the trial match. There is also a charity dinner set down for Friday, February 20.

More information and tickets to both events can be obtained from Darwin Entertainment Centre, Oasis News and Lotto at Palmerston and Tourism Top End Visitor Information Centre in Bennett St, Darwin.

All trial information which is currently available for all grades including the Sharks junior representative teams, is listed below, with fans looking to get out to a pre-season game encouraged to continue checking this website for updates and more information.

Toyota Cup/ NSW Cup/ NRL

Saturday, January 24
Seiffert Oval, Queenbeyan - Sharks v Canberra
Joint NSW Cup, NYC, NRL trial – 6.00pm

Saturday, February 14
NSW Cup/ NYC - Sharks v Cowboys in Mackay – 7.30pm

Sunday, February 15
NSW Cup/NYC - Sharks v Parramatta
Ringrose Park – 3.00pm

Saturday, February 21
NRL - Sharks v Titans in Darwin – 7.30pm
NSW Cup - Sharks v Norths - Toyota Stadium – 7.00pm
NYC - Sharks v Souths - Toyota Stadium – 5.00pm

Saturday, February 28
NRL - Sharks v Newcastle – Baddeley Park, Cessnock – 7.30pm
NYC - Sharks v Newcastle – Baddeley Park, Cessnock – 5.15pm
NSW Cup - Sharks v Central Coast – Baddeley Park, Cessnock – 3.30pm

Junior Reps - Matthews Cup/ SG Ball

Saturday, January 24
Seiffert Oval, Queenbeyan - Sharks V Canberra
Matthews Cup kickoff - 2.30pm
SG Ball – 4.00pm

Saturday, January 31
Hammondville Oval - Sharks v Bulldogs
Mathews Cup – 5.00pm
SG Ball – 7.00pm

Saturday, February 7
Hillier Oval, Liverpool - Sharks v Wests
Matthews Cup – 10.30pm
SG Ball – 12.00pm

Round 1 – Junior Reps
Saturday, February 14
Toyota Stadium - Sharks v Balmain Tigers
Times to be confirmed

 

[timber]

Squad for Titans trial

CRONULLA: Paul Gallen, Trent Barrett, Brett Kearney, Dave Simmons, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Misi Taulapapa, Fraser Anderson, Corey Hughes, Terence Seu Seu, Ben Ross, Luke Douglas, Ben Pomeroy, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Mitch Brown, Blake Green, Kade Snowden, Jack Afamasaga, Reece Williams, Jacob Selmes.

Looks like a good squad dont u rekon. Prob go with this:

1 Kearney
2 Taulapapa
3 Pomeroy
4 Anderson
5 Covell
6 Barrett
7 Green
8 Ross
9 Hughes
10 Douglas
11 Gallen
12 Tupou
13 Maitua

14 Snowden
15 Selmes
16 Afamasaga
17 Seu Seu
18 Simmons
19 Brown
20 Seymour** if fit
21 Williams** if fit

On another topic, who would be the rest of the top 25?

22 Norrie
23 Millington
24 Bukuya
25 Filiga?

 

[bort]

i would expect this line-up for a first 17, but agree with the players you have as a top 25

1. kearney
2. simmons
3. anderson
4. pomeroy
5. covell
6. barrett
7. seymour*
8. ross
9. hughes
10. douglas
11. gallen
12. tupou
13. maitua

14. snowden
15. selmes
16. williams**
17. seu seu

*green if seymour is unfit
**afamasaga if williams is unfit

 

[JimBob]

Seymour is unfit. Hes expected to be back round 2, same with williams

 

[peachey]

so we did sign afamasaga...after weeks of unknown, did we or didnt we

what happened to Norrie?

Paul Gallen, Trent Barrett, Brett Kearney, Dave Simmons, Anthony Tupou, Reni Maitua, Misi Taulapapa, Fraser Anderson, Corey Hughes, Terence Seu Seu, Ben Ross, Luke Douglas, Ben Pomeroy, Luke Covell, Brett Seymour, Mitch Brown, Blake Green, Kade Snowden, Jack Afamasaga, Reece Williams, Jacob Selmes.

1.Kearney
2.Taulapapa
3.Pomeroy
4.Brown/Anderson
5.Covell
6.Barrett
7.Green
8.Ross
9.Hughes
10.Douglas
11.Gallen
12.Tupou
13.Maitua

14.Snowden
15.Afamasaga/Anderson/Brown
16.Selmes/Anderson/Brown
17.Seu Seu

 

[Capmar]

Reni has been training at 5/8 so its likely that Yrent will be at half and Reni outside of him.

Williams is fully fit

 

[peachey]

reni 5/8?...he is no greg bird and from watching him play 5/8 at the dogs, he is ordinary, keep him at lock

 

[Capital_Shark]

reni 5/8?...he is no greg bird and from watching him play 5/8 at the dogs, he is ordinary, keep him at lock

Loosely translated:

"I want Green in the halves."

 

[Google News]

Top End trial for Titans ace

7 jersey in the much-anticipated February 21 clash against Cronulla. "I'm definitely playing because Carty's (coach John Cartwright) said he'll bring up ...

Source: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/12/32975_ntsport.html

Top End trial for Titans ace
GREGOR MACTAGGART
February 12th, 2009

Scott Prince has confirmed he will play in next week's Top End NRL trial. Picture: GREGG PORTEOUS

GOLD Coast star Scott Prince has confirmed he will be a certain-starter for the Titans in next week's Top End NRL trial at Richardson Park.

The Queensland and Australian halfback told the Northern Territory News he'll be wearing his famous Titans No. 7 jersey in the much-anticipated February 21 clash against Cronulla.

"I'm definitely playing because Carty's (coach John Cartwright) said he'll bring up close to our best team against the Sharks," Prince said.

"A few positions are still up for grabs, but we're shaping up OK and the boys can't wait for the footy to come around because the pre-season's been pretty long.

"Personally, I can't wait to play in Darwin for the first time and put on a good show for the local league fans."

The 28-year-old is renowned as the Titans' on-field general and is hoping for an injury-free 2009 after his 2008 season was cut down by a broken left forearm while playing for the Maroons in Origin II.

But the cheeky halfback, who got back in time to be a part of Australia's World Cup campaign, says the arm is 100 per cent and he wants to spearhead the Titans push towards a maiden finals appearance in 2009.

"The arm's fine, there's a plate and six screws holding it together and I've got a guard that did the job" for me in the World Cup," he said.

You can't control injuries as a club. All you can control is playing well and that's something we're confident about doing this season."

Prince knows exactly what it takes to reach the NRL's peak, having guided the Wests Tigers to premiership glory in 2005.

He is among among a host of Titans stars being rested for the club's opening trial against the Brisbane Broncos at Wynnum-Manly this Saturday.

Co-captain and representative prop Luke Bailey, livewire Preston Campbell, Mat Rogers and Nathan Friend will join Prince in the stands, but all are expected to play in the Top End blockbuster.

Meanwhile, members of the NT Titans under-18 and under-16 squads will be collecting donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal at halftime of the NRL clash between the Titans and Sharks.

Preparations for the Titans debut on the national landscape are progressing well under the guidance of coaches Michael Rawiri and Brett Holmes, and coaching director Jeremy Kurtz.

 

[Google News]

2009 Trials

The 27-year-old winger will showcase his brilliant goalkicking skills when Cronulla take on the Gold Coast Titans in the Top End NRL trial at Richardson ...

Source: http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/13/33031_ntsport.html

Darwin a springboard to Sharks success
GREGOR MACTAGGART
February 13th, 2009

SCORING MACHINE: Luke Covell will be hoping to start a successful season for the Sharks in Darwin

CRONULLA point scoring maestro Luke Covell says the Sharks will use their Darwin trip as the springboard towards that elusive first premiership title.

The 27-year-old winger will showcase his brilliant goal kicking skills when Cronulla take on the Gold Coast Titans in the Top End NRL trial at Richardson Park on February 21.

Covell was an instrumental figure behind Cronulla's stunning rise to third place in 2008, ending the season as the NRL's top point-scorer with 206 points (15 tries and 73 goals).

And the one-time New Zealand international has declared the Sharks hungry to build on that success under Ricky Stuart, starting with next week's trial.

"It's going to be a great workout for us because the majority of our full-time squad will be involved and get us some quality game time before the season starts," Covell said.

"Last year really finished on a disappointing note (losing to Melbourne 28-0 in the preliminary final) but it's important that we give ourselves another chance by getting into the semis again."

Covell has promised Top End fans that the Sharks will play a more enterprising brand of football this season, saying Stuart highlighted it as a key focus during the off-season after Cronulla were the second-lowest scorers in 2008.

"Definitely we're looking at scoring more, the more points the team can get the better chance we've got of winning games," he said.

Covell is looking forward to the chance of playing in the same team as former NSW and Origin five-eighth Trent Barrett, while saying Anthony Tupou and Reni Maitua have fitted into the Sharks set-up with aplomb.

* Tickets for clash are on sale from the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Oasis News and Lotto (Palmerston) and the Top End Visitor Information Centre (Bennett St).

 

[Google News]

2009 Trials

BY BRAD FORREST SOME players from Cronulla Sharks' top squad will play their first trial game of 2009 at Henson Park on Saturday night, after the Queensland ...

Source: http://stgeorge.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/sharks-young-guns-ready-to-fire-in-trial-matches/1432357.aspx

Sharks' young guns ready to fire in trial matches
BY BRAD FORREST
13/02/2009 4:00:00 AM

SOME players from Cronulla Sharks' top squad will play their first trial game of 2009 at Henson Park on Saturday night, after the Queensland floods washed out their planned trial match in Mackay against the North Queensland Cowboys.

They will play Wests and Newtown teams, over four quarters, from 5pm.

The Sharks were set to send a number of their young guns and newcomers to Mackay. Some of those players will now be worked into trial matches against the Titans in Darwin and the Knights in Cessnock in coming weeks. The Sharks also have a National Youth (Under 20s) trial against Parramatta from 4pm this Sunday at Ringrose Park.

The Cronulla squad to play Newtown and Wests includes unlucky first grade utility star, Reece Williams, playing his first game in nearly a year since a knee reconstruction.

Others playing from the Sharks 2009 first grade training squad include regulars Mitch Brown, Terence Seu Seu, Jacob Selmes and Bryan Norrie, as well as Manly import Jack Afamasaga, Fiji World Cup player Jayson Bukuya, Australian schoolboys rep Matt Wright, Parramatta prop Jonny Mannah, youngsters Phil Latu, Blake Ferguson, Nathan Stapleton, Jon Tavinor, Ryan Verlinden, Trent Trotter, Tohi Leha, Joe Falamaka, Atelia Vea and Ryan Howard.

Other players include Tony Caine, back from the Dragons, Scott Porter, Steve Roberts, Matt Cooper, Matt Campbell, Isaac Gordon, Tyler Aitken, Shannon Wood, Peter Mariani, Mark Delemont, Inoke Taapapoutti, Anthony Killingbeck and Daniel Ravakava.

 

[Google News]

2009 Trials

... Darwin to tackle Cronulla. In pictures: Broncos v Titans Prince, who caught a first-hand glimpse of the "Top End's" crocodiles via a cage during an NRL ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25057460-10389,00.html

Halfback Scott Prince heads list of stars for Darwin
Matt Marshall
February 15, 2009 11:00pm

BACK for trial . . . Scott Prince will return for Titans this week.

SCOTT Prince headlines a host of Titans stars set to dazzle Darwin on Saturday night as the Gold Coast rev up their NRL preparations.

After his emerging squad went down to Brisbane in the club's opening trial, coach John Cartwright will now dust off every available topline player at his disposal for Saturday night's trip to Darwin to tackle Cronulla.

Prince, who caught a first-hand glimpse of the "Top End's" crocodiles via a cage during an NRL community visit earlier this month, is set to return to Darwin.

He will join Luke Bailey, Preston Campbell, Anthony Laffranchi, Mat Rogers, Mark Minichiello and Nathan Friend in a 21-man squad.

Ash Harrison (shoulder) won't travel while Jordan Atkins (knee) is yet to be passed fit after withdrawing last week.

Aaron Cannings, Daniel Conn and Michael Henderson are the other players in the Coast's casualty ward.

There were plenty of positives to emerge for Cartwright last weekend – including the successful return from injury of matchwinners Chris Walker and Will Zillman.

"You're always disappointed when you don't win but I was really impressed with some of the young players," Cartwright said.

"I thought Ben Ridge went really well, Kevin Gordon showed what we can do.

"It was good to see Chris Walker get his hands on the ball, he looked sharp.

"As far as trials go, that's far ahead of what we've come up with the last two years. It was good."

Kiwis World Cup star Simon Mannering has signed a new three-year deal with the Warriors, keeping him in Auckland until the end of 2012.