Former Sharks Inspire Cronulla Players
Former Sharks Inspire Cronulla Players
Brad Forrest - The Leader
24/03/2011 4:26:43 PM
Hisense Cronulla Sharks Immortal Andrew ‘‘ET’’ Ettingshausen, the club’s most loyal servant, led a posse of former stars who fired-up the Sharks before they overpowered favourites and defending premiers, the Dragons, in Monday night’s rugged local derby.
Brought in by coach Shane Flanagan to lift the side after the Sharks’ ordinary away performance against the Canberra Raiders in round one, Ettingshausen joined former Test prop Jason Stevens, Gavin Miller, Barry Russell, Adam Dykes and Lance Thompson behind closed doors.
Stevens, like Thompson a former tough forward with both clubs, told the Leader that former captain and Test star ET - a hero over 18 years and a record 328 games with the club - gave the players the most telling message.
Ettingshausen spends much of his working life either in northern Australia, where he runs a fishing business or doing film work for his successful fishing show on television, but helps out his old club when he can.
‘‘ET was very inspirational,’’ said Stevens, his former teammate, of the Sharks’ 16-10 victory.
‘‘He not only stressed the need for good defence, but for a really solid kick-chase in the wet. In particular, he pointed to the need to nullify the Dragons’ back three Test players [fullback Darius Boyd and wingers Brett Morris and Jason Nightingale] before they could make any ground.
‘‘I think both the Sharks’ backs and the forwards did that job brilliantly,’’ said Stevens, who rates the Sharks pack as ‘‘the best in the competition.’’
Captain Gallen said he had already told his players to ‘‘concentrate on your own job’’ as they walked to the sheds from their pre-game training run.
Sharks coach Flanagan praised his players’ intensity, particularly his forward pack, but cautioned the team needed to back it up with consistent performances. ‘‘We did our job against the premiers, but we have to follow through into other games. We won’t be getting too carried away,’’ Flanagan added.
Flanagan said the Sharks now had to set their minds on the ‘‘short week’’, backing up five nights later against the Panthers, away, on Saturday night at CUB Stadium.
The only team addition is hooker Paul Aiton, back from suspension.
http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=34762