Cronulla completes pre-season with
big win

Internationals Jason Stevens and Phil Bailey emerged from their first game back from injury unscathed last night, as Cronulla ran in twenty tries to score a big win in an extended trial game in Port Maquarie. Split into three thirty-five minute matches, Cronulla easily dealt with Coffs Harbour (44-0) and Wingham (46-0) before scraping home against the home team Port Maquarie (12-10). The total combined score over the 105 minute game was 102-10.

Three players grabbed a hat-trick of tries during the rout. Michael Sullivan, Daniel Dumas and David Simmons all crossed the stripe on three occasions, while both Matthew Rieck and Phil Bailey scored a personal double.

No major injuries were sustained in the trial. New signing Andrew Lomu sustained cuts during the game, but he will be fit for Cronulla's opening game against the Tigers in two weeks. At this stage, the only player likely to miss that match is Nigel Vagana, who is expected to make his return from off-season shoulder surgery in either round two or three.

Sharks Den Update Check back at the Sharks Den tomorrow as we begin the first in a multi-part a preview of Cronulla's season 2004 chances.

We will also be announcing another new initiative within the week, so keep checking back at the Den as we prepare for Cronulla's 2004 campaign.