Sharks Expectations 2018

Sir Chadley

Sir Chadley

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Now that Dosit has finally broken the news that Pearce is off to Manly, it would seem our squad for 2018 is done, except maybe for a few minor additions.

So, let's put together some thoughts on what we think 2018 will bring.

Copy and paste my questions and answers to the following:

1. Expected 2018 finish:

Top 8. As poor a season he had we are going to miss Maloney's kicking game and goal scoring. I don't think Moylan can kick and we know Chad is hot and cold. This aspect alone counts us out of top 4 in my opinion.

2. Top try scorer and point scorer:

My money's on Val, whether wing or fullback. I think he'll improve on 2017. I think he'll kick the goals too, so he's our top point scorer.

3. Biggest surprise packet:

Ava Seumanufagai. I reckon a change of scene is going to do wonders. I think he'll be great impact off the bench and be a crowd favourite.

4. Hooker rotation:

Do we rotate our hooker or have Brailey play 80 mins. I think the kid can do it but I also think Flanno will pick Seggy every week.

5. Best new face:

Josh Dugan. He has his detractors but the guy is fast and strong. Can't pass but I don't reckon he'll need to. If he stays fit I think he'll challenge Val for Top try scorer.

6. The Methuselah Award

Which of our veteran players is going to shine?

At some stage, he's going to hit 37 but I think Gal will still be a force in 2018. Anyone want to bet he'll play on in 2019?

7. Can we win the comp?

No. I think we're still a player or two short and without making the top 4 it's going to be tough.
We'll be up there and be in contention but I think it'll be a repeat of 2017.
 
Addy

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Gal with have a monster of a year, he seems to be in a really good headspace and healthy.

Wade with have a Gal 2010-11 type year, where even though we know what he is capable of, this year will be the year that everyone else will take notice and see his true potential.

Dugan will be a bludger of a signing. Between bouts of greatness he will constantly go down injured and will be a huge liabilty.

Lewy will be solid as always, you can set your watch to him.

We will struggle with players not playing their best positions, and a late season swap won't help matters.

Fifita will struggle with off field issues.

Top 8 again, but will bow out in the first 2 weeks of finals
 
Thresher

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Chad said:
Wow. :bulgy-eyes:
Click to expand...

Generally I'm an optimist. This time I don't feel confident in our halves.

I also feel that Gal and Lewie are another year older. Fifs is the only real damaging bopper that we have, (hopefully Ava is that for us as well).



Might change my mind after a few games, you never know.
 
Proud Shark

Proud Shark

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I think our season hinges on three players in Val, Brailey and Seggy. We know how much we lost in Ennis and Barba and we still need some spark to replace them. I dont think we'll miss jimmys in play kicking as he barely did any last year.

Val has been discussed to death, but in short he needs to become a viable point scoring/assisting option out the back and in support through the ruck.

For Brailey, at the start of last year all that was expected of him was good service and tackling. That wont be enough this year. He'll need to start to add a few strings to take some pressure off the halves if we are going anywhere.

Alternatively, if Seggy finds his feet and recaptures some form, a 30 odd minute stint or more could add some much needed spark, even if used in the way canberra did without the starting hooker coming off.

If those three fire, 3rd-6th. If they perform like this year, 7th-10th as a rebuilding year.

Top try scorer and suprise packet, some under 20s call up on the right wing, cant recall names. Points, Val kicking goals. Best new recruit, dugan. I agree he will be in for a good year.
 
CrazyMatt

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1. 6th-10th. Just think a few other teams are in a better position at the moment, I think we’ll start slow and finish the year pretty well, bowing out in week 2 of the finals.
2. Assuming Holmes plays fullback, I believe our top try scorer will be Feki again with around 12. I’m assuming Holmes will take on kicking responsibilities, so he’ll be leading point scorer, I think Holmes will have a much better year at the back this year as he continues to learn and develop. I’d say he gets 7 tries but sets up a few with a much improved passing and support game.
3. Chad Townsend. I know I’ll probably get laughed at but I’m backing him to step it up a few notches this year, with Maloney gone he takes control of the team, steering them around the park, playing smarter footy and generally improving his kicking game and adding a better running game. Just got a feeling it might be his year, who knows.
4. I think a much improved Seggy starts the year from the bench and Brailey plays 55.
5. Branden Uele, honestly I think all our recruits will have a solid year but I think Uele will fight his way into the team and end the season as one of our most impactful forwards.
6. I actually think we’ll get good years out of Gal, Lewis and Prior. I’ll give the award to Prior.
7. We’ll be in contention at the end of the year, being talked about as a ‘dark horse’. But ultimately I think teams like the Roosters will be too much for us at the pointy end.
 
snowman

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we have gotten better than we were last year

dugan is the second best centre in the world and replaced bird

moylan is a better attacker, going into his peak years, and a better defender

replaced taga with ava, ava probably just edges him given that he will bring enthusiasum

brailey is a year older

val has spent time with the second best fullback to play the game

wade has international experience

uele is going to be good (****in fatty better shed some kilos)

lock us in for top 8
 
Gards

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Chad/Molyan shared Dally M honours - confirmed

**** I feel better about 2018 now
 
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