Round 19, 2011: Cronulla Sharks vs St George Illawarra Monday July 18 7:00pm Win Jubilee Oval
- Thread starter Sharky Pete
- Start date
Not as strong as the NYC side. Or NSW Cup for that matter.
Has anyone else noticed how much rotation has been going on in the NYC forward pack and bench? Dunc Reilly has been starting the last few weeks, as did Peacock last week. Both on the bench this week with Frizell back and Masima in. Hill, Coates, Alcock, Tubbs, Waipouri, Raru, Hasson and Irwin have all been rotated too. Seems like Shephard is just building depth in the squad and adapting to the teams each week- great coaching in my opinion. So many young blokes getting NYC experience and handling it so well is a great sign for the Club's future and a great indication of the sheer quantity of talent coming through.
Shephard's possibly the best signing the Club has made across any grade this year IMO. And after seeing the precision and relentlessness of the NYC attack I would be fine with him getting the first grade assistant job.
Has anyone else noticed how much rotation has been going on in the NYC forward pack and bench? Dunc Reilly has been starting the last few weeks, as did Peacock last week. Both on the bench this week with Frizell back and Masima in. Hill, Coates, Alcock, Tubbs, Waipouri, Raru, Hasson and Irwin have all been rotated too. Seems like Shephard is just building depth in the squad and adapting to the teams each week- great coaching in my opinion. So many young blokes getting NYC experience and handling it so well is a great sign for the Club's future and a great indication of the sheer quantity of talent coming through.
Shephard's possibly the best signing the Club has made across any grade this year IMO. And after seeing the precision and relentlessness of the NYC attack I would be fine with him getting the first grade assistant job.
dylan the villian
Jaws
cheers coogeeboy it is a great feeling to beat the mergers!!!! fingers crossed!
Mark^Bastard
Great White
Me too. Have him over Grima any day.
phoenix
Hammerhead
friz still 50-50
Mr Wright
Jaws
I couldn't agree more with the bolded part. Shephard knows his footy that's for sure. He has some great attacking plays that could well benefit the NRL team with livewire's like Kelly and Gardener.
deano the p
Jaws
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Yea I pretty surprised by Champion at 5/8.
Also agree I have been very impressed with Shephard.
Also agree I have been very impressed with Shephard.
CrazyMatt
Jaws
Agreed about Shepard......brilliant footy brain, can't believe we found him in the Northern Territory.
oozy
Grey Nurse
SHARKSTER
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At least their fans are not confident either!
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Shane Flanagan wants to pick right time to give Paul Gallen a rest - The Australian
Shane Flanagan Wants To Pick Right Time To Give Paul Gallen A Rest
Brent Read From: The Australian July 13, 2011 12:00AM
CRONULLA and NSW star Paul Gallen has been named to face NRL premiers St George Illawarra on Monday night but coach Shane Flanagan is not guaranteeing his inspirational captain will take the field as he balances pursuit of finals football with the need to give his best player a well-earned rest.
He isn't the only coach refusing to give guarantees, as Parramatta's Stephen Kearney admits Jarryd Hayne could again be used at five-eighth this weekend despite being named at fullback.
The Sharks are well in the finals race but the seemingly indefatigible Gallen made it clear after Saturday night's win over Canberra that he was feeling the effects of the sapping representative season.
Flanagan, wary of running Gallen into the ground, has given him time off and will decide whether he plays against the Dragons after consultation later this week.
The Sharks need to keep winning over the remaining eight weeks _ five would put them in the mix for the top eight while six would guarantee them a finals berth _ but Flanagan is not willing to put the health of his best player at risk.
"I would love to be able to give him a rest," Flanagan said.
"How and when is really important. I don't know how we can and when we can. I would love to be able to do it this week against the Dragons.
"I have given him a couple of days off. I will have to sit down with Gal and talk about it. He has gone away. We will sit down later in the week.
"We're in a position where we don't have to win every game, but we have to win a fair few games."
Flanagan can at least take solace in the fact his side has made do without its captain in recent weeks. While Gallen was on NSW duty, the Sharks beat South Sydney, part of an impressive four-game winning streak that has them close to the top eight.
"When I rest him is going to be really important," Flanagan said.
"In saying that, we have won with him and we have won without him. He has put himself through heaps. I know he has come back (from Origin) a bit mentally drained.
"You have to get up for those games. You come back and you do feel a bit flat."
Meanwhile, Kearney named Hayne at fullback yesterday but he hasn't ruled out playing him at five-eighth against Penrith on Saturday night.
Hayne starred at five-eighth for the Eels in their win over the Wests Tigers last Friday night and Kearney admitted afterwards he had planned to play him at pivot regardless of the fitness of halfback Jeff Robson.
Robson has been named to make his return this weekend but Kearney is playing his cards close to his chest.
And Canberra fullback Josh Dugan will finally make his return from an ankle injury that cost him his place in the NSW side for the second and third games of the Origin series.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...ul-gallen-a-rest/story-e6frg7mf-1226093390432
Shane Flanagan Wants To Pick Right Time To Give Paul Gallen A Rest
Brent Read From: The Australian July 13, 2011 12:00AM
CRONULLA and NSW star Paul Gallen has been named to face NRL premiers St George Illawarra on Monday night but coach Shane Flanagan is not guaranteeing his inspirational captain will take the field as he balances pursuit of finals football with the need to give his best player a well-earned rest.
He isn't the only coach refusing to give guarantees, as Parramatta's Stephen Kearney admits Jarryd Hayne could again be used at five-eighth this weekend despite being named at fullback.
The Sharks are well in the finals race but the seemingly indefatigible Gallen made it clear after Saturday night's win over Canberra that he was feeling the effects of the sapping representative season.
Flanagan, wary of running Gallen into the ground, has given him time off and will decide whether he plays against the Dragons after consultation later this week.
The Sharks need to keep winning over the remaining eight weeks _ five would put them in the mix for the top eight while six would guarantee them a finals berth _ but Flanagan is not willing to put the health of his best player at risk.
"I would love to be able to give him a rest," Flanagan said.
"How and when is really important. I don't know how we can and when we can. I would love to be able to do it this week against the Dragons.
"I have given him a couple of days off. I will have to sit down with Gal and talk about it. He has gone away. We will sit down later in the week.
"We're in a position where we don't have to win every game, but we have to win a fair few games."
Flanagan can at least take solace in the fact his side has made do without its captain in recent weeks. While Gallen was on NSW duty, the Sharks beat South Sydney, part of an impressive four-game winning streak that has them close to the top eight.
"When I rest him is going to be really important," Flanagan said.
"In saying that, we have won with him and we have won without him. He has put himself through heaps. I know he has come back (from Origin) a bit mentally drained.
"You have to get up for those games. You come back and you do feel a bit flat."
Meanwhile, Kearney named Hayne at fullback yesterday but he hasn't ruled out playing him at five-eighth against Penrith on Saturday night.
Hayne starred at five-eighth for the Eels in their win over the Wests Tigers last Friday night and Kearney admitted afterwards he had planned to play him at pivot regardless of the fitness of halfback Jeff Robson.
Robson has been named to make his return this weekend but Kearney is playing his cards close to his chest.
And Canberra fullback Josh Dugan will finally make his return from an ankle injury that cost him his place in the NSW side for the second and third games of the Origin series.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...ul-gallen-a-rest/story-e6frg7mf-1226093390432
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Brett Kimmorley's Round 19 Preview
Brett Kimmorley's Round 19 Preview
By Brett Kimmorley FOX SPORTS July 13, 2011 6:45AM
Fox Sports commentator and former Kangaroos halfback Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions for round 19 of the 2011 NRL Premiership season.
Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EST)
Noddy says: It’s obviously a rivalry round for a reason and these two sides have had some great games over the past few years. I think with Brisbane Broncos now running towards the finals, Darren Lockyer’s farewell from Origin has come and gone, and now it’s about focussing on where they are going to finish for the semis. I can’t give Gold Coast Titans too much hope unless they find some miracle. Apart from that, I am going to tip the Broncos in quite a large victory with the way the Titans are struggling. Tip: Brisbane Broncos.
Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown, Mt. Smart Stadium, Friday 8.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: Canterbury-Bankstown certainly need to start winning for their semi final hopes. You’d expect Ben Barber to cop a number of bombs again this week, it was probably the difference between the Bulldogs and the Storm last week; the drop balls and the pressure their kicking game mounted, in comparison to the lack of pressure that Canterbury put on Billy Slater in the way of executing bombs. It’s a tough ask to go to New Zealand and face the Warriors, who are currently in front of them on the ladder, but I think the desperation of the Dogs, who I think played very well last week apart from some simple errors, can get home in an upset. I’m going to tip them to return to some form and win by a comfortable margin. Tip: Canterbury Bankstown.
South Sydney v Sydney Roosters, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: This shapes as an outstanding encounter now that Sydney Roosters have found a bit of form, and for South Sydney, Greg Inglis has found some form for that matter. It is at ANZ Stadium on Saturday and I will be there on the sideline for Fox Sports, so I look forward to seeing these two sides who will both go into the game confident. If you talk about rivalry, well these two sides hate each other, especially the owners of the clubs, so certainly bragging rights are at stake. I saw some good signs from the Roosters last week in their ball movement. Frank Paul Nuuausala and a couple of other forwards returned the ball with some strong running and at times the Roosters had a very good defensive line and they handled the pressure from Penrith on their own try line. I’m going to tip the Roosters and I see signs of them turning the corner and playing some good football on the way to a bit of a winning streak. Tip: Sydney Roosters.
North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: Please tell me what is going on there at Wests Tigers? I certainly think there is something going on at that club that is player related and I’m thinking there’s a lot of unhappiness about players being told to leave. North Queensland Cowboys were outstanding on Monday night; I certainly thought they would struggle without Johnathan Thurston but they have some good young halves and Matty Bowen there helping out to steer them around. Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall, Segeyara had a good game; I just think they’ve got a strong attitude up there amongst the players at the moment. They’re defending a lot tougher, they’re playing a lot tougher, and they’ve been able to hang in during some of these close games that traditionally, they would have lost. I think it’s going to continue for the Tigers; the Cowboys for my mind will win the game. Tip: North Queensland Cowboys.
Penrith v Parramatta, Centrebet Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm (EST)
Noddy says: I would recommend Jarryd Hayne plays at five-eighth again for Parramatta this week, in attack at least. That’s probably where I think Hayne is heading. I think you get more quality from him when he’s in the line getting more regular football, being a part of the game that’s unfolding and executing his plays. It’s obviously a magic milestone for Nathan Hindmarsh to play his 300th game for the club in the huge battle of the west and I think the players will lift. Penrith last week played the Roosters back into some form and I’m going to say that they’re going to allow Parramatta to continue their form as well, and I’ll tip Parramatta in a comfortable victory. Tip: Parramatta
Canberra v Melbourne Storm, Canberra Stadium, Sunday 2pm (EST)
Noddy says: A lot of people at the start of the year were tipping Melbourne Storm to struggle to make the eight without their stars. Well Craig Bellamy has been outstanding. In my own book, he’s gone up another degree as a coach with what he’s been able to achieve this year with this football side. They all do their jobs; they all know their role and the three key players - Smith, Cronk and Slater - are probably the best in their positions in the competition at the moment. I thought Cooper Cronk’s running game last week, coupled with his kicking game, was simply outstanding. The Melbourne juggernaut continues to roll. I know Canberra have had some success and some upset wins over the Storm over the past few years. I think this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect, but I do still tip the Melbourne Storm in a close victory. Tip: Melbourne Storm
Newcastle Knights v Manly, Ausgrid Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EST)
Noddy says: Newcastle Knights may have been caught out last week going into the game against the Cowboys thinking they would turn up and get through the game – “there’s no Thurston, there’s no Cowboys”. It just shows you these days how close our competition is. Ryan Stig has been outstanding for Newcastle and will have to now carry a lot more pressure without Kurt Gidley being there. The Knights just had the ‘dropsies’ a little bit on Monday night and that’s not what they’re about; they’re about building pressure and being pretty tough. They’ll have to bounce back with a great game to beat Manly, but that’s Manly’s strength – they play tough, they wear you down and they give you nothing. I’m really impressed with how Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are going in the halves; Foran scoring two tries last week to get them home in a come-from-behind victory. It’s a tough day for Newcastle and it’s probably going to get tougher against a brutal Manly side that I still think are possibly favourites for the competition. Tip: Manly
St George Illawarra v Cronulla, WIN Stadium, Monday 7pm (EST)
Noddy says: It’s the massive game, the Shire versus the people from across the bridge; the big brother who always have the trophies in their cabinet. Cronulla beat St George Illawarra in round two this year by bashing them. Quite simply put, the Sharks just got in their face, they intimidated them, they wore them down and the Dragons made mistakes. The Sharks are shooting for five-in-a-row, while the Dragons, everyone is going to say that they’ll beat them no matter what. But I’m going to tip an upset and say the Sharks can get their fifth win in a row, beat the Dragons at Kogarah and I think they are going to keep their ride going and perhaps sneak into the top eight. Tip: Cronulla
Source:http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/.../story-e6frf3xu-1226093292269?from=public_rss
Brett Kimmorley's Round 19 Preview
By Brett Kimmorley FOX SPORTS July 13, 2011 6:45AM
Fox Sports commentator and former Kangaroos halfback Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions for round 19 of the 2011 NRL Premiership season.
Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 7.35pm (EST)
Noddy says: It’s obviously a rivalry round for a reason and these two sides have had some great games over the past few years. I think with Brisbane Broncos now running towards the finals, Darren Lockyer’s farewell from Origin has come and gone, and now it’s about focussing on where they are going to finish for the semis. I can’t give Gold Coast Titans too much hope unless they find some miracle. Apart from that, I am going to tip the Broncos in quite a large victory with the way the Titans are struggling. Tip: Brisbane Broncos.
Warriors v Canterbury-Bankstown, Mt. Smart Stadium, Friday 8.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: Canterbury-Bankstown certainly need to start winning for their semi final hopes. You’d expect Ben Barber to cop a number of bombs again this week, it was probably the difference between the Bulldogs and the Storm last week; the drop balls and the pressure their kicking game mounted, in comparison to the lack of pressure that Canterbury put on Billy Slater in the way of executing bombs. It’s a tough ask to go to New Zealand and face the Warriors, who are currently in front of them on the ladder, but I think the desperation of the Dogs, who I think played very well last week apart from some simple errors, can get home in an upset. I’m going to tip them to return to some form and win by a comfortable margin. Tip: Canterbury Bankstown.
South Sydney v Sydney Roosters, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 5.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: This shapes as an outstanding encounter now that Sydney Roosters have found a bit of form, and for South Sydney, Greg Inglis has found some form for that matter. It is at ANZ Stadium on Saturday and I will be there on the sideline for Fox Sports, so I look forward to seeing these two sides who will both go into the game confident. If you talk about rivalry, well these two sides hate each other, especially the owners of the clubs, so certainly bragging rights are at stake. I saw some good signs from the Roosters last week in their ball movement. Frank Paul Nuuausala and a couple of other forwards returned the ball with some strong running and at times the Roosters had a very good defensive line and they handled the pressure from Penrith on their own try line. I’m going to tip the Roosters and I see signs of them turning the corner and playing some good football on the way to a bit of a winning streak. Tip: Sydney Roosters.
North Queensland Cowboys v Wests Tigers, Dairy Farmers Stadium, Saturday 7.30pm (EST)
Noddy says: Please tell me what is going on there at Wests Tigers? I certainly think there is something going on at that club that is player related and I’m thinking there’s a lot of unhappiness about players being told to leave. North Queensland Cowboys were outstanding on Monday night; I certainly thought they would struggle without Johnathan Thurston but they have some good young halves and Matty Bowen there helping out to steer them around. Dallas Johnson, Glenn Hall, Segeyara had a good game; I just think they’ve got a strong attitude up there amongst the players at the moment. They’re defending a lot tougher, they’re playing a lot tougher, and they’ve been able to hang in during some of these close games that traditionally, they would have lost. I think it’s going to continue for the Tigers; the Cowboys for my mind will win the game. Tip: North Queensland Cowboys.
Penrith v Parramatta, Centrebet Stadium, Saturday 7:30pm (EST)
Noddy says: I would recommend Jarryd Hayne plays at five-eighth again for Parramatta this week, in attack at least. That’s probably where I think Hayne is heading. I think you get more quality from him when he’s in the line getting more regular football, being a part of the game that’s unfolding and executing his plays. It’s obviously a magic milestone for Nathan Hindmarsh to play his 300th game for the club in the huge battle of the west and I think the players will lift. Penrith last week played the Roosters back into some form and I’m going to say that they’re going to allow Parramatta to continue their form as well, and I’ll tip Parramatta in a comfortable victory. Tip: Parramatta
Canberra v Melbourne Storm, Canberra Stadium, Sunday 2pm (EST)
Noddy says: A lot of people at the start of the year were tipping Melbourne Storm to struggle to make the eight without their stars. Well Craig Bellamy has been outstanding. In my own book, he’s gone up another degree as a coach with what he’s been able to achieve this year with this football side. They all do their jobs; they all know their role and the three key players - Smith, Cronk and Slater - are probably the best in their positions in the competition at the moment. I thought Cooper Cronk’s running game last week, coupled with his kicking game, was simply outstanding. The Melbourne juggernaut continues to roll. I know Canberra have had some success and some upset wins over the Storm over the past few years. I think this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect, but I do still tip the Melbourne Storm in a close victory. Tip: Melbourne Storm
Newcastle Knights v Manly, Ausgrid Stadium, Sunday 3pm (EST)
Noddy says: Newcastle Knights may have been caught out last week going into the game against the Cowboys thinking they would turn up and get through the game – “there’s no Thurston, there’s no Cowboys”. It just shows you these days how close our competition is. Ryan Stig has been outstanding for Newcastle and will have to now carry a lot more pressure without Kurt Gidley being there. The Knights just had the ‘dropsies’ a little bit on Monday night and that’s not what they’re about; they’re about building pressure and being pretty tough. They’ll have to bounce back with a great game to beat Manly, but that’s Manly’s strength – they play tough, they wear you down and they give you nothing. I’m really impressed with how Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are going in the halves; Foran scoring two tries last week to get them home in a come-from-behind victory. It’s a tough day for Newcastle and it’s probably going to get tougher against a brutal Manly side that I still think are possibly favourites for the competition. Tip: Manly
St George Illawarra v Cronulla, WIN Stadium, Monday 7pm (EST)
Noddy says: It’s the massive game, the Shire versus the people from across the bridge; the big brother who always have the trophies in their cabinet. Cronulla beat St George Illawarra in round two this year by bashing them. Quite simply put, the Sharks just got in their face, they intimidated them, they wore them down and the Dragons made mistakes. The Sharks are shooting for five-in-a-row, while the Dragons, everyone is going to say that they’ll beat them no matter what. But I’m going to tip an upset and say the Sharks can get their fifth win in a row, beat the Dragons at Kogarah and I think they are going to keep their ride going and perhaps sneak into the top eight. Tip: Cronulla
Source:http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/.../story-e6frf3xu-1226093292269?from=public_rss
dylan the villian
Jaws
Yep I call mind games too, gal will show for the biggest Derby of this season!
Mark^Bastard
Great White
Maybe Flanagan is being smart and realising that there's more to Rugby League than trying to win every game?
I mean, if we go into this game, and give it everything, and lose by two points, but then we're spent mentally for the next week and lose to the Knights at home, I will be pissed.
But I guess you could argue that if intentionally save ourselves for the Knights and still lose to them, that's even worse.
Not sure what the best strategy is. I'll leave that to the coach, but I do know that the score board result of this game isn't THAT important to our season. What is important is the mental attitude the boys have for the next game, as well as injuries.
I mean, if we go into this game, and give it everything, and lose by two points, but then we're spent mentally for the next week and lose to the Knights at home, I will be pissed.
But I guess you could argue that if intentionally save ourselves for the Knights and still lose to them, that's even worse.
Not sure what the best strategy is. I'll leave that to the coach, but I do know that the score board result of this game isn't THAT important to our season. What is important is the mental attitude the boys have for the next game, as well as injuries.
Gards
Jaws
Mark the team should be giving this game 100% and worrying about the following game in the next week. Even a loss by 2 points to the Merge away from home I can't see shattering the Sharks confidence (unless it's last minute heart break style), if anything should be encouraging for this team to once again match if with a benchmark team.
I would hope this team has turned a corner and losing a game does not result in them dropping their bundle in the weeks following. I think Flano would be aware of this danger and keeping things in perspective for them and reminding them a loss doesn't rule them out of the finals.
Exception around resting players is GAL, not anyone else in the team.
So if there's 30 odd minutes to go and no chance of a win guessing Gallen gets asked the question about coming off the field...
I would hate to lose to Newcastle and all but I would also hate to lose a winnable game against St George because we are thinking too far towards September and accepting 8th place will be satisfactory to meet Flanos goal for the year. We are not there yet anyway and still on a knifes edge.
I would hope this team has turned a corner and losing a game does not result in them dropping their bundle in the weeks following. I think Flano would be aware of this danger and keeping things in perspective for them and reminding them a loss doesn't rule them out of the finals.
Exception around resting players is GAL, not anyone else in the team.
So if there's 30 odd minutes to go and no chance of a win guessing Gallen gets asked the question about coming off the field...
I would hate to lose to Newcastle and all but I would also hate to lose a winnable game against St George because we are thinking too far towards September and accepting 8th place will be satisfactory to meet Flanos goal for the year. We are not there yet anyway and still on a knifes edge.
Very concerned about this game, especially now Dragons seem to have a full and rested team. Cuthbo will be out for blood as well and for once I don't mean lurking the street eating pet dogs, cats etc.
I do not hold out much hope with Gal being tired and Snowy still out but I think our forward pack ****s on theirs when it is on and if we can keep the errors down then we'll give them alot to deal with.
I do not hold out much hope with Gal being tired and Snowy still out but I think our forward pack ****s on theirs when it is on and if we can keep the errors down then we'll give them alot to deal with.
Murphy
Great White
i hope the score doesnt blow out
snowman
Total gronk
i cant wait for this game, my confidence is growing by the day..!