“I’ve been doing it for the past two weeks to try to get into the habit of that and then implement that on the field. I don’t want to be on the outside watching the boys play.”

Meanwhile, the Sharks will field a significantly depleted forward pack against the Raiders, with Dale Finucane (facial injury), Royce Hunt (calf) and Toby Rudolf (ankle) joining Braden Hamlin-Uele (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Cook Islands international Kayal Iro comes into the Cronulla side at centre, allowing Siosifa Talakai to shift to the second row.

In contrast, Canberra’s forward stocks are so strong that for the second round in a row there is no room for Queensland representative Corey Horsburgh, who has been listed in the reserves after playing NSW Cup last week.

James Schiller will play his first NRL game of the year on the wing for the Raiders after Albert Hopoate sustained minor burns to his right arm in a cooking accident on Monday night.

Warriors forward Marata Niukore is set to play his first game of the year following a layoff with a foot injury, while Dylan Walker (ankle) is named on the bench and Wayde Egan (elbow) is a good chance of returning at hooker against Newcastle.

The Dragons forward pack will be bolstered by the return of Francis Molo (suspension), Jacob Liddle (concussion) and Jaydn Su’A (quad) for Saturday’s clash with Manly at WIN Stadium.

The Panthers will also be without Scott Sorensen (knee), as well as Cleary, for Thursday night’s match against Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

Luke Garner is promoted to start in the back row, with Mavrik Geyer, son of 1991 grand final hero Mark, to make his NRL debut off the bench, while Schneider is the new No.7 in his first NRL match after a stint in England.