CRONULLA Sharks have a new training base in Sutherland Shire.
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Cronulla High School is the venue for many of their training sessions, with two new fields.
As well there is the new club house, gymnasium and facilities will also act as headquarters for the new Sharks football academy.
Cronulla Sharks head coach Shane Flanagan said he will oversee the academy for the club's junior rep team and development squad players and coaches.
Flanagan told the Leader he's impressed with the facilities.
He said he cannot wait for the season to start and he's impressed with the attitude and approach of the players and the new staff.
Strength and conditioning coach Andrew Gray, who moved from the Dragons to the Sharks, is making a big impression.
"Andrew has been very good working with the players and the squad are training well," Flanagan said.
"He's pushing them and Andrew is doing good work here."
The Sharks have widened their full-time squad to 35.
Flanagan said veteran Luke Lewis had been one of the best trainers in the summer heat.
As reported in the Leader on Tuesday, Lewis is going nowhere and still has two years to run on his contract. Flanagan is right behind Lewis and what he brings to the club.
"Luke is a leader and a mentor to the younger players," Flanagan said.
Lewis is captain of the 18-man squad for the Auckland Nines on January 31 to February 1. Regular skipper Paul Gallen is rested from the Nines.
Lewis said he was excited about the year ahead.
"This is the first pre-season for a while that I have been injury free," said Lewis, 31.
"Last year I was getting over my shoulder reconstruction."
Lewis said he felt, fit, keen and happy at the Sharks.
"I am looking forward to the Nines and the experience of playing alongside the younger players this season," he said.
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