Andrew John's Game assessment
Brisbane Times
Cronulla v South Sydney
The challenge for Souths is whether, emotionally and physically, they can get up again.
If their forwards can hold their own, Lachlan Ilias, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell will just take over.
Walker was Cliff Lyons-like against the Roosters. As for Mitchell, he’s one of the best entertainers we’ve seen in this game for a long, long time. I can’t take my eyes off him, just waiting for something to happen.
Cameron Murray, however, is the key to Souths. His go-forward, quick play-the-balls and ball-playing through the middle when he links with Walker and Ilias is so important.
He also leads the defensive line. He’d be a champion in any era.
Cronulla were unlucky last week against the Cowboys. The no-try to Connor Tracey in the second half really hurt them.
Nicho Hynes is playing at an elite level. He has a mind coach that helps him prepare but also how to handle different situations and how to work through them.
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If there’s one area where their attack can improve it’s giving more quality ball, at the right time, to centre Jesse Ramien.
Hooker Blayke Brailey can have a lot of success around the ruck — an area in which Souths were poor against the Roosters with James Tedesco causing real trouble until he was concussed.
The issue for the Sharks last week was their defence. Their marker work was poor and they had too many one-on-one misses. Tom Dearden’s runaway try illustrated that.
No team attacks better off set restarts and penalties than Souths, winding up that lethal left-side attack, so the Sharks need to keep the ball in play and limit the penalties they give away.
Joey’s tip: Sharks in golden point.
First try-scorer: Alex Johnston.
Man of the match: Nicho Hynes