2022 NRL Round 15 Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs. Gold Coast Titans @ C.ex Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, Saturday 18th June 3:00pm

[HaroldBishop]

True

Like I said, I agree we're bloody frustrating to watch atm but we're on the right track imo.

The big one for me is do we have the guts to let Wade go or keep him on something like $300k max.

It's the fact that we started hot and then faded that is frustrating.

If we had lost our first 3/4 and then gotten to where we are now it would feel very different.

Yeah agree 100% with that. That good streak got our hopes up.

 

[Sparkles]

we have 3 new players in the squad, so 14/17 on game day that were in the squad last year

we made 16 errors as a team, nicho 1, finucane 0, mcinnes 0 - 15 errors amongst the 14 remaining players

so yeh, we are basically getting the same results as last year from the same players, and people are expecting different

the difference is, we have better defensive structures and a better attacking structure, allowing us to win games we wouldnt have last year

i agree, we need to recruit, and recruit well

how long does fitz have? i'd say more than likely next season

once he stamps himself with more players from his mould and selects the ones he wants to persevere with, then it becomes his responsibility to make them better

We've (Morris/Fitz/Mooney) recruited well in respect to the squad we had, that's for sure.
But if we can't see improvement in the current crop, that's a lot of recruitment for next year... based on fundamentals improving, there's not a lot of issues in the current crop off contract (Thanks for the lists @burgess1978) but a few we're sticking with for a while:

This lot has a few glaring issues in their games they haven't improved (you could accept some areas have, just not around the above) and we have them for a while. It's these guys you feel Fitz needs to get the most out of.
6. Jack WIlliams (2024)
7. Toby Rudolf (2024)
11. Braydon Trindall (2023)
12. Jesse Ramien (2023)

Then there's these guys in the wings (I've no idea how ready they are) to offset recruitment needs.

- Ryan Rivett (2023) (u21) (NRL.com says 2022. Ryan said in an interview that he is signed for 2023)
- Jack Martin (2022) (u21)
- Kade Dykes (2022) (u21)
- Jonaiah Lualua (2022)
- Tom Hazelton (2022)
20. Franklin Pele (2022)
23. Jensen Taumoepeau (2022) (Club Option 2023)
25. Mawene Hiroti (2022)
27. Jayden Berrell (2022)

I'd be interested in hearing how people see those emerging players plugging holes and what's left to recruit. You'd assume we'll recruit from within where possible. Those decisions will go a long way towards how we look at our 10 year coach.

 

[bort]

We've (Morris/Fitz/Mooney) recruited well in respect to the squad we had, that's for sure.
But if we can't see improvement in the current crop, that's a lot of recruitment for next year... based on fundamentals improving, there's not a lot of issues in the current crop off contract (Thanks for the lists @burgess1978) but a few we're sticking with for a while:

This lot has a few glaring issues in their games they haven't improved (you could accept some areas have, just not around the above) and we have them for a while. It's these guys you feel Fitz needs to get the most out of.
6. Jack WIlliams (2024)
7. Toby Rudolf (2024)
11. Braydon Trindall (2023)
12. Jesse Ramien (2023)

Jack was one of our most well rounded forwards last season but has had a very inconsistent start to 2022. Played rounds 5-10. We lost to Storm (Dale injured early), Brisbane & Canberra (Jack injured after 6 mins, Dale after 32) during that time. You'd hope with better injury luck we at least win the Canberra one (also had 11/12 man game against Warriors week before).

Rudolf ideally wouldn't be starting every week but basically has been. With 58 NRL games to his name I'd love to see him start to clean a few things up but always brings energy. Would be great to see him kick on to another level.

Trindall is a tricky one - not like we are really using him right. Seems to have settled into the role in recent weeks rather than thinking he has to be an X factor. Sometimes he looks like he has potential to kick on as an NRL half, other times he runs himself at the line or kicks into legs every chance and shows he's not ready.

Ramien, take a couple brain fades / bad contacts off him and improve his passing 5% last weekend and he has been one of our best players.
He's close to bringing it all together, but can he? Time will tell.

Then there's these guys in the wings (I've no idea how ready they are) to offset recruitment needs.

- Ryan Rivett (2023) (u21) (NRL.com says 2022. Ryan said in an interview that he is signed for 2023)
- Jack Martin (2022) (u21)
- Kade Dykes (2022) (u21)
- Jonaiah Lualua (2022)
- Tom Hazelton (2022)
20. Franklin Pele (2022)
23. Jensen Taumoepeau (2022) (Club Option 2023)
25. Mawene Hiroti (2022)
27. Jayden Berrell (2022)

I'd be interested in hearing how people see those emerging players plugging holes and what's left to recruit. You'd assume we'll recruit from within where possible. Those decisions will go a long way towards how we look at our 10 year coach.

Rivett has shown some good signs in highlights and seems well rounded. At least a couple years off but an interesting prospect. Dev deal
Jack Martin as I noted previously I don't really know how he's going. Maybe keeps a dev deal, maybe doesn't.
Kade is killing it and will need a top 30 contract for next year if we want to keep him. A potential half 3 or 4 and successor to Moylan.
Lualua has looked decent in some glimpses, probably stays on dev deal
Hazelton we probably need to upgrade to top 30 if we want to keep. Is the bargain priced squad replacement for a Fifita, Tolman or Pele
Pele seems to have not grabbed NSW Cup by the scruff of the neck. Might hold a top 30 spot with us but doesn't seem worth fighting for at this stage. Seems to have been jumped by Hazleton and Colquhoun in pecking order.
Never seen Jensen do anything.
Hiroti was bumped down a spot by Ikuvalu in the pecking order (centre/wing #7) and I think he is a decent player for that role... but there are some youngsters coming through which could challenge for spot 7 at likely cheaper price.
Berrell always looks good in Jets highlights. Think he is a keep if he can't get a better offer elsewhere. McInnes can cover 9 but I'd rather not start him there and not for multiple weeks. Berrell's backup Woolford now starting for Raiders and going decent.

 

[common]

the ref didnt **** up, he called a penalty against the titans, the bunker ****ed it

Well, the officiating ****ed up regardless.

 

[Gards]

We have shown the massive potential in this team from those opening rounds - we didn't show that level of potential in previous seasons, not for a sustained period of weeks and not to the same extent. The fact we won those opening games is why we are 4th and not battling for 8th spot. We hadn't look that good in 5 years.

We are a more balanced team and have good performers across the park. In previous seasons alot hinged on SJ and if he would turn up a mong or a decent player that game. We have better depth too.

Beating up on pleb teams and putting on 40-0 scorelines is not a given unless perhaps you are the Panthers.

If anything the last month or so has shown that the teams in the bottom 8 sometimes turn up and put on a good performance (Dragons, Dogs, Tigers ect.)

Not saying Titans were good (they weren't) but end of the day we got the job done with a win, it doesn't mean improvement is no longer coming or that we are happy with that performance.

Fitz seems stubborn but most coaches are, you can't throw away a whole off season of planning and structures on a whim. He is backing it to come good again and sticking by his team selections - if it doesn't work out by the time September comes around then he will need to cop some criticism for that.

He will take alot out of season 2022 regardless of where we end up and with those learning's hopefully brings us back even stronger in 2023 and with a better understanding of where he needs to make changes (and when) and when to stick to his guns and when he needs to ask for help!

It's not beyond the realms of possibility we get back to playing some really good footy with and without the ball - just gotta ride the wave in the meantime

 

[Sir Chadley]

We have shown the massive potential in this team from those opening rounds - we didn't show that level of potential in previous seasons, not for a sustained period of weeks and not to the same extent. The fact we won those opening games is why we are 4th and not battling for 8th spot. We hadn't look that good in 5 years.

We are a more balanced team and have good performers across the park. In previous seasons alot hinged on SJ and if he would turn up a mong or a decent player that game. We have better depth too.

Beating up on pleb teams and putting on 40-0 scorelines is not a given unless perhaps you are the Panthers.

If anything the last month or so has shown that the teams in the bottom 8 sometimes turn up and put on a good performance (Dragons, Dogs, Tigers ect.)

Not saying Titans were good (they weren't) but end of the day we got the job done with a win, it doesn't mean improvement is no longer coming or that we are happy with that performance.

Fitz seems stubborn but most coaches are, you can't throw away a whole off season of planning and structures on a whim. He is backing it to come good again and sticking by his team selections - if it doesn't work out by the time September comes around then he will need to cop some criticism for that.

He will take alot out of season 2022 regardless of where we end up and with those learning's hopefully brings us back even stronger in 2023 and with a better understanding of where he needs to make changes (and when) and when to stick to his guns and when he needs to ask for help!

It's not beyond the realms of possibility we get back to playing some really good footy with and without the ball - just gotta ride the wave in the meantime

Good summation Gards. But I honestly believe we lost the go forward big time with the injuries to BHU and Finucane. BHU especially was killing it and with Dale doing his bit, our backs had more space and looked really good. Dale is now back so our stocks are rising but in my opinion no one has even come close to filling BHU’s shoes.

Until he returns, we’ll still be that bit short of the top teams.

 

[Western Sharkie]

Good summation Gards. But I honestly believe we lost the go forward big time with the injuries to BHU and Finucane. BHU especially was killing it and with Dale doing his bit, our backs had more space and looked really good. Dale is now back so our stocks are rising but in my opinion no one has even come close to filling BHU’s shoes.

Until he returns, we’ll still be that bit short of the top teams.

Most teams would lose their “go forward” if they lost arguably their 2 best forwards.

 

[Bundy Shark]

You all know Dale, whilst a terrific player is not noted for his go forward or metre eating, it’s great his back but I don’t see our go forward being all that different till BHU comes back.
We need to bring in people (new recruits) who can bend the line & better still, have some intimidation.

 

[apezza]

You all know Dale, whilst a terrific player is not noted for his go forward or metre eating, it’s great his back but I don’t see our go forward being all that different till BHU comes back.
We need to bring in people (new recruits) who can bend the line & better still, have some intimidation.

Kinda agree. I think Dale will bring the best out of some players off the field (and therefore make them a better player) and also lift some intensity with our defence.

 

[Sir Chadley]

Looking back on this game, I cannot believe how incredibly slow we were in our attacking play. Nicho looked like he was only going at half pace and everything seemed to be way off. So many other teams do things much faster, even the Bulldogs (albeit against the Tigers) moved the ball quickly and easily won the ruck.

I have gone from thinking we'll get two points comfortably against the Dogs next to thinking we are going to absolutely get smacked by them.

 

[apezza]

Looking back on this game, I cannot believe how incredibly slow we were in our attacking play. Nicho looked like he was only going at half pace and everything seemed to be way off. So many other teams do things much faster, even the Bulldogs (albeit against the Tigers) moved the ball quickly and easily won the ruck.

I have gone from thinking we'll get two points comfortably against the Dogs next to thinking we are going to absolutely get smacked by them.

Agree mate. Nicho, Will and a few others look really fatigued.

I wonder if they are carrying injuries or whether they are getting flogged at training.

Go back and watch the first few rounds- everything looked 20% quicker in the halves and backs.

 

[Proud Shark]

Looking back on this game, I cannot believe how incredibly slow we were in our attacking play. Nicho looked like he was only going at half pace and everything seemed to be way off. So many other teams do things much faster, even the Bulldogs (albeit against the Tigers) moved the ball quickly and easily won the ruck.

I have gone from thinking we'll get two points comfortably against the Dogs next to thinking we are going to absolutely get smacked by them.

I think you've given yourself the reason here. We haven't been easily winning the ruck since those early rounds, which gives the opposition more time to get in our face and stifle our attack.

 

[Bundy Shark]

Looking back on this game, I cannot believe how incredibly slow we were in our attacking play. Nicho looked like he was only going at half pace and everything seemed to be way off. So many other teams do things much faster, even the Bulldogs (albeit against the Tigers) moved the ball quickly and easily won the ruck.

I have gone from thinking we'll get two points comfortably against the Dogs next to thinking we are going to absolutely get smacked by them.

I have a mate who has a mate in the bulldogs set up, they are confident of rolling us, his exact words, they think they’ll eat us alive in the forwards & down the middle.

God knows how they come to that conclusion

 

[Proud Shark]

I have a mate who has a mate in the bulldogs set up, they are confident of rolling us, his exact words, they think they’ll eat us alive in the forwards & down the middle.

God knows how they come to that conclusion

Probably because they just did exactly that to Parra a fortnight ago. They are playing confident fast footy.

Shame dogs are only paying $3 at the moment, I have a feeling they will get us in this one if we don't take a massive step up.

 

[Bundy Shark]

Probably because they just did exactly that to Parra a fortnight ago. They are playing confident fast footy.

Shame dogs are only paying $3 at the moment, I have a feeling they will get us in this one if we don't take a massive step up.

Yeh I know mate, I was being sarcastic, it’s not rocket science for them to take us on there, it does pee me off knowing other teams think we are weak.
Really hoping we have some fire in the belly for this game & the remaining season.

 

[Proud Shark]

Yeh I know mate, I was being sarcastic, it’s not rocket science for them to take us on there, it does pee me off knowing other teams think we are weak.
Really hoping we have some fire in the belly for this game & the remaining season.

My bad. Yeah it's frustrating. They have been doing it without Thompson too. No doubt he will be back to face us. We could really do with a BHU return hey.

 

[bort]

My bad. Yeah it's frustrating. They have been doing it without Thompson too. No doubt he will be back to face us. We could really do with a BHU return hey.

Been like 9 weeks so hopefully just a few more. Round 18 vs Cowboys or Round 19 vs Panthers maybe.
He isn't likely to be an instant saviour either. Will need to find some form, hopefully won't take too long as I'd assume he is back doing fitness by now. Probably best to keep starting Hunt and use BHU off the bench for first few weeks.

Jack Williams currently tipped for a round 17 return but I feel like he just joins the Tolman, Fifita fight for a jersey at this stage.

Our pack without BHU is good enough to match it with most teams still. Need to clean up some errors and especially the offsides when we have them pinned

 

[apezza]

In relation to BHU - I thought the originally said around round 21?

 

[bort]

In relation to BHU - I thought the originally said around round 21?

Sharks called it '3-4 months'
Fox said aiming for a return late July
Quite possible somewhere has said round 21 - start of August so not too far beyond Fox's statement.
Sharks predictions would put him in an approx range of Round 17 to 20.

So I guess my takeaway from that is if recovery goes well he'll be back July some time, if not then maybe early August.

 

[bort]

Dale is much better at starting those tip on plays than any other forward. That creates space for the other middles.

Yep the extra PCM and quicker PTBs Dale earns largely come from the bloke he passed to, not himself.