Kearney back to tackle the Roosters

Sharks utility Brett Kearney has recovered from a quad muscle strain and has been named to make his return for the Sharks on the interchange bench against the Roosters this Saturday night.

Kearney has been missing since the Sharks last played the Roosters in round 11, with his return set to inject some life into his teams attack.

The other changes to the Sharks side beaten by the Bulldogs on Sunday are forced, with Misi Taulapapa coming into the team for the injured Luke Covell and with Ben Ross dropping off the bench due to his three game suspension.

Coach Ricky Stuart has also decided to name Isaac De Gois in the Sharks starting side ahead of Kevin Kingston who will come into the game off the bench. Stuart made a late change last week in starting the match with De Gois.

Still on the sidelines will be Adam Dykes and Brett Kimmorley, with the later likely to be unavailable for the next six to eight weeks as he recovers from a knee injury suffered in the final State of Origin game last Wednesday night.

Again deputising in the halves will be Greg Bird at five eighth and youngster Anthony Watts at half back. Bird is also likely to assume the goal kicking duties in the absence of Covell.

The Sharks will be looking to reverse a 13-12 loss the last time the two teams met. On that occasion, the Sharks squandered a commanding lead only to concede two late tries and then a field goal in extra time.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm on Saturday night at Aussie Stadium. Ben Cummins will referee the match.

1. David Simmons 2. Mitch Brown 3. Ben Pomeroy 4. Fraser Anderson 5. Misi Taulapapa 6. Greg Bird 7. Anthony Watts 8. Luke Douglas 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Craig Stapleton 11. Paul Gallen 12. Lance Thompson 13. Reece Williams

INTERCHANGE

14. Henry Perenara 15. Jacob Selmes 16. Brett Kearney 17. Kevin Kingston

Coach: Ricky Stuart

Source: www.sharks.com.au