A LOT of the Port Macquarie Sharks success can be put down to the group of youngsters making their way through the ranks and into first grade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of those is hooker Jake Flanagan.
Flanagan has high praises from coach Phil Trembath who said the youngster has won the prestigious players player award no less than three times this year.
He was once again one of the best on Saturday when the Sharks came from behind to defeat the Taree City Bulls.
The win has assured them a spot in the finals and a chance to take out third place which will give the Sharks an all important second bite of the cherry at the pointy end of the season.
"Jake got players player and I'm pretty sure that's the third time this year," Trembath said.
"It's a great effort from someone who can still play in under-18s."
Joining Flanagan in the junior ranks is Mitchell Smith who, thanks to a number of injuries, started the game for first grade.
Not only did he get a call up into the top grade and started the game, but he played in one of the hardest positions on the field, in the front row.
"We've got some real good youngsters coming up through the grades," Trembath said.
"To come up and play in the starting side for first grade in the front row at that age is just an awesome effort."
It wasn't the start the Sharks had hoped for though against the Bulls.
The Taree side went into the half time break leading convincingly 18-0.
But whatever Sharks coach Trembath said to his side in his half time speech worked a treat.
The Sharks came out firing in the second half to score 26 unanswered points and win the game 26-18.
"I said what had to be said and challenged them all if they were actually giving 100 per cent," he said.
"And they went out in the second half and responded."
The Sharks will enjoy a bye before taking on home town rivals the Port City Breakers and then the Old Bar Pirates.
