The Group 2 outfit proved too strong for Hastings rivals and Group 3 premiers Wauchope Blues, winning the match 46-18, at the Lank Bain Sporting Complex, Wauchope, on Saturday.

In the process, the Sharks captured the Jack Kirkman Shield.

“I was really happy with it (the trial) – and everyone played well,” head coach Tony Pascoe admitted.

“For our first hit-out of the season, we showed a lot of good touches.

“I thought our team cohesion and support play was sharp, especially with so many new blokes in the line-up.

“But, the best part, we got through the game unscathed, with no injuries.”

Even though the Sharks went into the fixture without Ben Cudmore, Clinton Foot, Anthony Shipway and several others, Pascoe was delighted with the performance of the players who took the field.

“Five-eighth Jake Green displayed a lot of maturity,” he acknowledged.

“His speed and footwork was quite good.

“Halfback Aaron Ison also controlled the play well, while I was impressed with young centre Kieren Vale too.

“I thought Michael Bright was the best forward on the paddock, closely followed by prop Matt Blake.

“The other front-rowers, Edward Vale Tighe and Nathan Kelly, will be very handy in the pack as well.”

The Sharks’ next assignment is the eagerly-anticipated inaugural showdown with the Breakers, another Group 3 club.

The historic encounter will be played at Port Macquarie’s Regional Sports Stadium on Saturday, March 13.