A late change of heart from new head coach John Morris has seen Shaun Johnson rested from Cronulla’s first trial of the season – with Kyle Flanagan given a chance to impress.
Cronulla host Manly at Shark Park on Saturday night in their first NRL pre-season trial of the season.
Morris had originally been planning to give Johnson time to work on his halves combination with Cronulla’s 2016 premiership-winning No.7 Chad Townsend against the Sea Eagles.
But, with most of Cronulla’s spine unavailable, Morris decided on Tuesday to hold back Johnson for another week until the Sharks’ second trial against Newcastle at Maitland.
That spine includes Sharks hooker Jayden Brailey (hamstring), fullback Matt Moylan (recovering from surgery) and lock Paul Gallen (rested) who are all out of the Manly trial, leaving Townsend to lead a young Cronulla side against the Sea Eagles.
Flanagan, a star at under-20s and Intrust Super Premiership level, will partner Townsend in the halves.
The youngster has made no secret of his desire to chase a first grade spot this season.
Another young gun, Blayke Brailey, will also be given the chance to impress after being named to start at hooker in place of his older brother.
New signing Josh Morris will partner yet another young star, Bronson Xerri, in the centres, while Will Kennedy will start at fullback.
Townsend and Sosaia Feki are the only members of Cronulla’s 2016 grand final-winning side in the 25-man squad.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Sharks squad vs Manly
1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Sosaia Feki, 6. Kyle Flanagan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Ava Seumanufagai, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Jack Williams, 14. Jaimin Jolliffe, 15. Billy Magoulias, 16. Brayden Trindall, 17. Cruz Topai-Aveai, 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 19. Daniel Vasquez, 20. Luke Polselli, 21. Isaac Lumelume, 22. Jackson Ferris, 23. Jack A Williams, 24. Teig Wilton, 25. Josh Carr
*numbers subject to change
