Sharks Forever's ratings for Cronulla vs Brisbane (NRL Premiership, Round 2, 2006)
CRONULLA:
1. David Simmons - 8
Provided the highlight of the game by taking a bomb on his goal line, and sprinting 90m before passing to Darren Albert for the try. Was very safe at the back, and got out of the in-goal nicely on a couple of occasions. Only negatives were a kick-off which went out on the full when the Sharks led 12-4, and several times when he should have passed to the backline but held onto the ball.
2. Darren Albert - 5
Disappointing after all the hype. Did not get involved, partly due to the fact the ball never reached him along the backline. Did back Simmons up well, to score his first try for the Sharks. Defended well, particularly early on when Bailey was exposed.
3. Beau Scott - 6
Didn't see much of the ball, but did the No. 3 jumper proud, with strong running and tough defence when he had the chance. Was involved in two play-the-ball penalties late in the second half.
4. Phil Bailey - 5
Was nearly beaten in defence a number of times early in the game, but made a stack of tackles overall. Still needs to pass to his winger more.
5. Luke Covell - 6
Bombed a certain try when he did not see Beau Scott in support. However, that 50m break came about when he knocked down the ball to stop a Broncos try at the other end. He also took a spectacular bomb late in the game under great pressure.
6. Adam Dykes - 7
Was involved in everything, but maybe too involved. Looked dangerous at all times, and his efforts in marker defence were equally good, chasing down the Broncos time after time.
7. Brett Kimmorley - 6
Not his best game, and the opposite of Dykes, was perhaps too unselfish. Kicked out on the full at a vital stage. His committment in defence against the big Broncos forwards was unquestionable.
8. Ben Ross - 6
Filled Jason Stevens' boots quite well, but never really threatened the defence.
9. Kevin Kingston - 7
Another extremely committed performance. Should have been awarded more penalties when he caught the Broncos off-side from dummy half.
10. Hutch Maiava - 7
His best performance to date as a starting prop. Made it over the advantage line most times, with quick play-the-balls.
11. Reece Williams - 6
Had to deal with a number of hospital passes. Tried hard as always, but less impact than in recent games.
12. Lance Thompson - 7
A game of two halves. His first half was outstanding with a number of good offloads, and very tough tackling. His long break off the field didn't help him, and though he still tackled well, he gave away a crucial mistake and penalty to get the Broncos up the other end of the field.
13. Greg Bird - 6
Good effort from Bird, particularly in the last twenty minutes of the game. Strong hit-ups and tackling.
14. Phillip Leuluai - 4
Disapponting display. May have been injured, but took an eternity to play the ball on each of his hit-ups.
15. Luke Douglas - 7
Highly promising debut, with some big hits on the Broncos forwards. Looked very mobile, with some important tackles to stop breaks.
16. Cameron Ciraldo - 5
Missed a tackle to allow the Broncos to score, and needs to get more involved.
17. Tevita Latu - 6
Like Kingston, should have received more benefits for his dummy-half running, but the referee didn't oblige. Pretty solid performance.
BRISBANE:
1. Karmichael Hunt - 7
Formed a good combination with Lockyer, often threatening the Sharks.
6. Darren Lockyer - 9
The difference between the two sides. Was brilliant in attack. Unfortunately the Sharks never seemed to target him in defence.
