The Australian leads the team in tries with 11 and has turned in a series of all-action performances in what's been an outstanding maiden season with the Sharks. Byatt has ever-present so far this season and played a key role in Brett Turner's squad battling for a point in a 16-16 draw with Skirlaugh.

Fawkes said: "He's absolutely massive for us and for me he's by far and away the best centre in the league. With the ball in his hands he's a constant danger. Also whoever's on the wing on his side benefits too as he's a huge asset for them."

Byatt and his younger brother Matthew Byatt have made quite an impression on the Sharks quickly becoming cult heroes for the team.

The centre has, by his high standards, endured a small drought in the last month scoring just two tries. Before the drought however Byatt had scored six tries in four games during the month of May.

At present he is on pace for 19 tries when the season ends. The Sharks will be hoping he can keep up his relentless form heading into the second half of the season which sees them play six more times at Shark Park.

Turner's side currently sit eighth in the league but are just three points off the playoff spots.