Best Sharks Five-Eighth Ever?

[SharkBoy]

could you tell me when he played at 6 i cant remember when?

I'm pretty sure he played a few games there in 2004, under Stuart Raper. I think he was put there for his size and defence more than as a ball player. Kinda like what the Blues did with Shaun Timmins around the same time.

 

[BurgoShark]

Since 1988 ...

1. Dykes
2. Healey
3. Speechley
-----
4. Everyone else.


but ...

Dykes playing under John Lang was our best #6 in the last 20 years. Unfortunately, I think most people on this forum tend to judge him on his form from 2005-2007 rather than 1996-2001.

As for the other guys:

Healey was great but played more often (and better IMO) in #7 than #6

Speechley is probably the one most people will choose, because he was so good defensively and very consistent.

Johns played one season.

Barrett has played 10 games.

Bird was a terrible 5/8 and poor player all around until he was given half a season in reserve grade and made in to a back rower. Even when he wore #6 he was simply a strong running back rower with good footwork - not a 5/8. People seem to forget that Bird was only a decent regular first grader for less than 2 1/2 years at Cronulla. Between 2003-2006 he was a prospect with a whole lot of potential and wouldn't have gotten a run on a decent team.

 

[Mark^Bastard]

People seem to forget that Bird was only a decent regular first grader for less than 2 1/2 years at Cronulla. Between 2003-2006 he was a prospect with a whole lot of potential and wouldn't have gotten a run on a decent team.

yeah but thats why its so annoying we lost him to something so stupid. he was awesome but still had his best to come. ****ing tragic.

 

[WillyInBris]

I am hoping that I can get to the end of next year bring this thread up and say Barret

 

[SharkBoy]

I am hoping that I can get to the end of next year bring this thread up and say Barret

Yep, I was thinking the same thing!

 

[ROB SHARK]

I'm pretty sure he played a few games there in 2004, under Stuart Raper. I think he was put there for his size and defence more than as a ball player. Kinda like what the Blues did with Shaun Timmins around the same time.

thx sharkboy.

 

[BurgoShark]

Paul Gallen (i do believe he has played ONE game at 5/8, did we win?, i cant remember)

He played a few games there actually - between Bird's suspensions and reserve grade stints when we had no #6. I think Hilder had a game or two there too.

 

[coogeeboy]

I'll go for the old prodigal son from yesteryear, Barry Andrews with Michael Speechley ( i was absolutely heartbroken when he left Souths for the sharks ) & Mark Ellison third ( ditto the same feelings as Speechley ) with an honourable mention to Blaine Stanley.

 

[blacky]

Have to say Mitch Healy from the nominations given

 

[SharkBoy]

Hopefully we can pull this thread back up in a few seasons time and be able to happily say 'Wade Graham'

 

[Sharkie73]

Barry Panda Andrews!!! great footy player and could kick goals from anywhere on the park, I saw him kick 3 goals from half way one game to win it for us!!! Steve Kneen caught the kick off each time with his foot over the side line to get the penalty "out on the full" clever play not sure if they can still do that or not??

 

[Shark68]

Rodger Millward

 

[SF]

Trivia time: The old players' gym underneath the Sharks Leagues Club was one of the first places in Australia to get a Nautilus Gym - it worked on hydraulics rather than weights. Revolutionary stuff at the time.

Where abouts was the gym? I always wondered that. Say relative to the Summertime Bar...

 

[fitz]

Kind of where the big snooker tables are now if I remember correctly

 

[davetherave]

The gym was a bit closer towards the field, just inside the doors from the sharksforever beer cave

and about the best ever 5/8 Panda is my favourite and also Gary Cameron

 

[Jigsaw]

Nigel vagana. He played 1 game at 5/8th for the sharks and go have a look at the score of that game.

 

[bigmig81]

how about paul fisher??
blaine stanley?

just trying to think who else even played 5/8th after all the other names mentioned.

id have to go with healey as he was key to part of our game plan a while back. 1.2.3.4.5 bomb!

buttocks healey had a mean kick and could place a bomb right where needed

 

[BlackWhiteBlue]

Always liked Healys game.

to me it would be him, then Bird, then Dykes (in my life time) then Barret, not that he's had much success here.

 

[squiddy]

The gym was a bit closer towards the field, just inside the doors from the sharksforever beer cave

Just adjacent to the indoor swimming pool ! Which was never filled or used

Best 5/8 ?

Roger Millward
Kevin Hogan
Michael Speechley
Mitch Healey
Adam Dykes
Barry Andrews

 

[SF]

Thanks for the gym/pool info, always was curious about that. Thought there might be some hidden basement I've never seen.

In terms of five-eighths, I would have to say Mitch for longevity and loyalty, Dykes for attacking skill, and Speechley as the all-rounder.

Never saw Barry Andrews unfortunately except a couple of videos. From what I've read Millward sounds like he was the biggest star (but for a short time).