NRL Pre-Season Match: Sharks v Knights - Feb 2006

The roar of a 5,000 strong crowd filled the air at the Coffs Coast International Stadium on 25 February 2006 for the preseason NRL clash between the Newcastle Knights and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

Both teams fielded full squads which set the scene for a tight contest.

The Knights featured the return of Andrew Johns after a string of injuries that had side-lined him for the second half of last years competition. Johns took to the field in the second half and sparked the Knights into action, setting up two tries.

The match saw Cronulla defend staunchly with playmaker and captain Brett Kimmorley leading his team and showing glimpses of his undoubted talent.

Other highlights included the return of NSW State of Origin captain Danny Buderus in action for the Knights, together with the first time appearance of ex-St George front rower Lance Thompson playing for his new club Cronulla.

Despite being talent-packed, the Sharks were out-classed on the night with a final score of 22- 4 in the Knights' favour. The Sharks are however expecting a strong showing in the 2006 NRL season and were appreciative of both the exceptional playing surface and community support throughout the week.

The Newcastle Knights appear to be up and firing after missing out on making it to the 2005 NRL finals and if all of their stars can stay on the park they are expected to climb their way back toward the top of the ladder in 2006.

(Photos courtesy of PJR Sports Media)

The Knights and the Sharks battle it out	Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Newcastle Knights	Ben Ross (Sharks) with local fans