HUNGRY SHARKS

Sharks put faith in squad despite Campbell loss

PALM Beach will back the 2018 playing group to deliver on their Premier League potential next season, with coach Brett Budwee challenging his troops to step up in the absence of captain Jason Campbell.

With his midfield leader departing for a shot at the NPL with Gold Coast United, Budwee will be without arguably his most influential player when pre-season training be- gins next week. This year’s Sharks squad, which battled for inconsistency to finish seventh, featured no players over 21 until the arrival of veteran defender John Costello in Round 12.

The 34-year-old’s 2019 plans remain unclear, while the Sharks could also be without rising attacker Tom Miller, who is trialling with United.

With club finances limiting the scope for recruitment, Budwee will put his faith in the young group to learn from this year’s baptism of fire.

“When I spoke to Duncan (McKenna, president) initially before taking the job it was a three-year plan to give these kids an opportunity. They’re all loyal to Palm Beach so we wanted to reward that,” said Budwee, who arrived at the club in 2018 via Magic United, Nerang, Merrimac, Robina, Gold Coast Knights and Gold Coast City.

“I’ve had verbal agreements with 90 per cent of the existing squad (to return). We probably need to add a couple more senior players just so they’ve got someone to lean on when times get tough on the field.

“John Costello was good for us but I don’t think he can commit to a full year this year. I’m hoping to get him involved in some way, possibly a bit of coaching and playing when need be.

“I’ll be asking for a bit more dedication from the group next year. They’ve all played NPL so I expect them to gain some confidence from last year and give it a better shot in 2019.”

Budwee said Campbell had departed for United with Palm Beach’s blessing.

“I always knew, once Kristian (Rees, coach) got the job at Gold Coast United, that Jason would probably end up there. I encouraged him to trial and he’s been upfront with me the whole time.

“As much as it is a massive loss for us because he was one of the best players in the league, we fully encouraged him to step up to the next level.

“(United) are looking to bolster their attacking strength and Tommy falls into that bracket.”