Off-season player movements 2004-05:

GAINS Luke Harlen (Panthers), Hutch Maiava (Bulldogs), Luke Covell (Tigers), Adam Dykes (Eels), Beau Scott (Dragons), Stephen Ross (Panthers), Paul Mellor (Castleford)

LOSSES Matthew Rieck (Tigers), Paul Franze (Panthers), Jason Kent (released), Chris Beattie (Perpignon), Andrew Emelio (Widnes), Pat Gibson (released), Matt Bickerstaff (released)

This blog will be resurrected as of today. I'm back in Sydney after a 2 year tenure in the UK, and I can safely say that the Sharks are one of the biggest things that I missed. Now, as the 2005 season approaches, I'm getting that itch again. To see some footy, to write about footy, and to just live it. My previous post was during the 2002 final series. Since then, there have been numerous changes, but one thing has remained constant - We are still premiership-less.

In 2002, we were once again one step away from a Grand Final appearance with the Roosters being the eventual so-called "winners". 2003 was a complete disaster with a 8-16 win-loss record, finishing in 12th position. And even the departure of Chris Anderson could not help the Sharks in 2004, again missing out on the final series with local boy Stuart Raper at the helm.

This year promises to be as open and as competitve as ever. The return of Adam Dykes will prove to be the deciding factor in the Sharks fortunes in 2005. I feel we could finish as high as in the top 4 if the key players stay fit. But then again, I have said that on so many occasions. Stay tuned Shark fans..