GAME PREVIEW
The Mike Pero Nelson Giants put on a great show first-up at home and toasted a good win against the Airs, but you get the feeling the challenge will go up a level here when the Sharks pay them a visit. Though the 2018 champs mustered a win of their own last week, most onlookers feel they were a tad fortunate to sneak past the Rams, but a win is a win and on you move. The big guns delivered when it mattered most for the Sharks and you can’t help but feel the likes of Weeks, Pledger, Blanchfield and McCarron will be better for the run. There’s a bit of an Aussie-feel about this clash with Vague and Grida going up against the three Australian’s in orange. This is a big test for the Giants and you know they’ll relish the chance to upset one of the title favourites. Expect a big crowd and plenty of highlights. The battle between Vague and Pledger will be worth the entry fee alone, while Jett up against Weeks will be another enjoyable match-up.
BROADCAST DETAILS
SKY - live from 7:30pm
Prime TV - live from 7:30pm
NELSON GIANTS
Starting 5
2. Jordair Jett (guard)
11. Daniel Grida (guard)
24. Tyrell Harrison (centre)
25. Rhys Vague (forward)
10. Samuel Dempster (forward)
Bench
6. Ali Granger (guard)
7. Riley Bensemann (guard)
9. Tom Ingham (guard)
22. Tyler Marsh (guard)
26. Bronson Beri (forward)
42. Tysxun Aiolupotea (guard)
19. Nic Trathen (forward)
Coach: Mike Fitchett
Assistant: Phil Jones
Manager: Andrew Stevens
Physio: Ashlee Lusty
From The Coach – Mike Fitchett
The win against Taranaki was a great reward for the guys’ off-season efforts. It was really pleasing to be able to put a win on the board in front of the home fans. We are looking forward to welcoming the defending champs into Trafalgar.
SOUTHLAND SHARKS
Starting 5
35. Alex Pledger (centre)
97. Jarrad Weeks (guard)
10. Mitch McCarron (guard)
24 . Todd Blanchfield (guard)
15. Tom Vodanovich (forward)
Bench
11. Dom Kelman-Poto (forward)
14. Tai Wynyard (centre)
22. Hyrum Harris (guard/forward)
25. Andrew Wheeler (guard)
45. Tinashe Matambanadzo (guard)
Coach: Judd Flavell
Manager: Troy Paulin
From The Coach – Judd Flavell
I am really looking forward to the clash against the Giants – they are always great battles. For us, it’s our first road trip of the season and provides us with the chance to get another game under our belt to build our combinations and team camaraderie. There will be some excellent match ups in this game and I am looking forward to watching how they unfold.
