Yesterday the Sharks announced the return of local junior, and one of the stars of the New Zealand Warriors in Chad Townsend.
Coupled with the recent signing of Rooster superstar James Maloney, the Sharks look as though they finally possess a halves combination that could see them challenge for a top four position.
Townsend has improved out of site since travelling across the Tasman after moving from his local club the Sharks, and could prove a brilliant foil to Maloney.
With all due respect to Jeff Robson, who has provided good service to the Sharks, his best days were when paired with the enigmatic Todd Carney, who provided the spark and kicking game in the combination.
Both Townsend and Maloney offer a far superior running game to Robson, as well as a far more complex kicking game.
Youngster Jack Bird has filled in with great success after being called upon early in the season, but his future is believed to be in the outside backs, most likely at centre.
The Sharks currently have a solid centre pairing, however they lack a genuine class centre who can bust a side open.
Leutele is capable of making the odd break, but he and Beale have a combined try tally as we enter into round 18 of just three. Beale is of course yet to post a try for his new club.
Bird’s moving to centre should provide the spark, pace, and tackle busting ability that the Sharks have so desperately been calling out for. With Maloney and Townsend calling the shots he should see plenty of quality ball.
Fellow young guns Valentine Holmes and Sosaia Feki also become that little bit more dangerous with what should be increased quality service.
Ben Barba is also set to benefit big time, as he will be able to focus on his own game instead of being forced into a playmaking role, a role he has not looked comfortable in this season.
However, and there is that horrible word again, the Sharks are still short a serious centre partner option for Bird. Leutele and Beale won’t let you down, but I honestly can’t think of a centre combination with less try scoring potency than the Sharks pair.
Looking at the list of uncontracted centres, one man stands out as the man the Sharks should probably be chasing … Will Hopoate.
Although Hoppa himself has not had the most brilliant of years, the fact he has been untrusted with a NSW Origin jumper should say a little bit about the quality he offers.
Hopoate’s venture into the Eel’s vacant fullback position proved that his best performance is definitely in the outside backs, which is where he earned his big money contract after setting the competition alight at the Sea Eagles.
A backline of Barba, Holmes, Bird, Hopoate and Feki/Gagan, with a halves combination of Maloney and Townsend should leave the Sharks with little excuses should they fail to challenge for the top four next season.
The Sharks have also been linked with former Kiwi international Sika Manu, which could free Paul Gallen up to move into the front row to partner Andrew Fifita.
This time last year there looked to be no future for the Sharks. Fast forward 12 months, and the future is certainly a bright one in the Shire.
Should the club make a play for Hopoate, and sign him, or someone of similar quality, then a top four challenge, and that elusive first premiership may not seem to far away.
Replies
Who is the best centre in the game?
I think Jennings is only on 600k at most
They can have him.
wtf? Speakee Englishee...Pr maybe we should join the sharks s k infs like this huy has already bought a membership What that suppose to mean? Translator please!
The quicker the Sharks are wound up and relocated to Perth or the Central Coast, the better the comp will be!
We don't have many quality centres, Hoppa needs to stay.