Tallis back to take on Sharks

Tallis has been troubled by neck and shoulder pain since being on the end of a nasty spear tackle in Brisbane?s round 12 win over the St George-Illawarra Dragons.

The hard-running former Australian captain is yet to decide on his playing future beyond this season, but has indicated he will not continue if there is any risk of permanent damage to his neck by doing so.

Blockbusting prop Carl Webb has retained his place alongside Petero Civoniceva in the front row, with rangy winger Scott Minto also maintaining a place in the starting side in the absence of sharpshooter Michael De Vere, who is out for the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

With only five rounds remaining before the start of the semi-finals, coach Wayne Bennett has sought to refresh his squad, taking them to the Gold Coast for a four-day relaxation and training camp.

One player looking to finish the season strongly is 23-year-old Craig Frawley, who confirmed on Monday he would be joining the Canberra Raiders in 2005.

The former Redcliffe junior battled injuries and poor form for several seasons at Red Hill, finally finding his feet at the top level this season with an impressive 10 tries from 14 matches.

Brisbane simply could not come close to the Raiders enormous financial offer and Frawley is determined to repay the faith the Broncos showed in him by helping the club to a premiership title.

?I haven?t earned my stripes here yet,? said Frawley.

?I?m in the side on a week-to-week basis and I have to keep performing if I want to be there for the finals.

?I?m really keen for a shot at the title before I go to Canberra. The Broncos were very good to me during my injuries and that weighed on my mind when considering the Canberra offer.

?But I?m not 19 any more and football is only a short career.?

Round 21 V: Cronulla Sharks VENUE: Toyota Park DATE: Saturday, July 31, 2004 TIME: 5.30 pm COACH: Wayne Bennett TEAM: 1: Karmichael Hunt 2: Scott Minto 3: Brent Tate 4: Shaun Berrigan 5: Craig Frawley 6: Darren Lockyer 7: Casey McGuire 8: Carl Webb 9: Michael Ryan 10: Petero Civoniceva 11: Gorden Tallis (c) 12: Dane Carlaw 13: Tonie Carroll INTERCHANGE:

14: Corey Parker 15: Brad Meyers 16: Darren Mapp 17: Neville Costigan 18: David Stagg 19: Stuart Kelly (two to be omitted)