LUKE Lewis will lead the Cronulla Sharks in the Auckland Nines.
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Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said Lewis is captain for the two-day tournament.
Flanagan also said recruit Ben Barba would play five-eighth this season.
The Auckland Nines are on January 31 to February 1.
‘‘I obviously didn’t get to play but I watched the games our boys played last year,” Lewis said.
“It’s hard for me to comment on what it might be like having not played in one, but all the boys said they enjoyed it.”
Lewis was recovering from a shoulder reconstruction at the time.
Lewis, 31, who is under contract for the next two years, has trained hard in the off-season and is fighting fit from all reports.
Cronulla Sharks group chief executive Lyall Gorman said Lewis has training well and is in good spirits.
He said rumours Lewis was headed out of the shire club were untrue.
Lewis is under the contract for the next two years and signed for four years leaving Penrith where he spent 11 years from 2001 to 2012. He signed with the Sharks in 2013.
Dragons’ statement
In other footy news, St George Illawarra Dragons have released a statement regarding former New Zealand Warriors prop Russell Packer, who is now out of jail and has been linked with the club.
The Leader understands Packer and the Dragons have informally agreed on a three-year contract.
The statement said: ‘‘There has been considerable speculation in relation to the St George Illawarra Dragons and Russell Packer who was released on Monday from custodial care, [after] pleading guilty to a charge of assault.
‘‘The club has not sought to register a playing contract with the NRL; however, it has agreed to play a part in his rehabilitation through its established programs in education and welfare and in particular, because of the long association the Dragons’ director of recruitment and retention, Peter Mulholland, has had with Russell and his family.
‘‘Russell has a strong desire to spend time with his fiancee and two children, continue his education and seek employment in the community, ahead of any rugby league priority.
‘‘Clearly, for Russell to return to the NRL he will need to demonstrate to the Dragons and the NRL that he is ready to have a contract registered.
‘‘The Dragons will provide further updates if and as required.’’
The Dragons will also play in the Auckland Nines on January 31 to February 1
How do you think the Sharks will go at the Auckland Nines on January 31?
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