Sharks feeling fresher, not pressure: Kimmorley
But the rest of the
Cronulla players are not nearly as experienced as Kimmorley is at the play-off caper. Eight of their 17-man squad for tonight's game
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Source: http://parramatta.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/sport/sharks-feeling-fresher-not-pressure-kimmorley/1271541.aspx
Sharks feeling fresher, not pressure: Kimmorley
GREG PRICHARD
13/09/2008 12:51:04 AM
IT IS easy to believe Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley when he says he welcomes the added pressure that comes with playing finals football. There is ample proof that he thrives, rather than wilts, under it.
But the rest of the Cronulla players are not nearly as experienced as Kimmorley is at the play-off caper. Eight of their 17-man squad for tonight's game against Canberra have never even played beyond the regular season.
Should Sharks fans - who have been waiting for a premiership since the club's inception in 1967 - be worried about them?
The short answer from the veteran halfback is no. Asked to explain why, he provides a compelling argument to support the theory that Cronulla can go deep into this finals series.
It is about preparation, and understanding, and belief. And team, the word Cronulla coach Ricky Stuart uses most to describe the group of players he has under his control - a real team. There are no outrageous predictions coming out of the Sutherland Shire, but the Sharks, Kimmorley believes, are ready to go.
"I don't think we're a team that is going to struggle, because we've been consistent all year," Kimmorley said yesterday. "We've known for a while that we were going to be there, so as much as we've been preparing for week-to-week games towards the end of the regular season, we've been getting ready to play in the finals.
"We've been playing big games for a few weeks now, to try to get a high place on the table, and we've been talking about what's beyond that, so it's not as if it's suddenly going to jump on us."
Kimmorley is one of only two Sharks players with grand final-winning experience. He did it as chief playmaker for Melbourne when they beat St George Illawarra 20-18 in the memorable 1999 decider.
The other is front-rower Ben Ross, who came off the interchange bench for Penrith when they won in 2003.
Kimmorley has played in 13 finals games. The next most experienced for the Sharks is well-travelled prop Adam Peek, with four. The team total is only 31.
Under those circumstances, it is only natural to wonder if some of those Cronulla players who are new to the landscape, or only slightly familiar with it, might get lost going down this road, but Kimmorley says there has been no indication that anyone needs a guide to handling the pressure.
"Our preparation's been fine," he said. "Everyone's been nice and relaxed. Unless you get a feeling that guys are a bit affected, a bit erratic, there is no need to talk about it. They all look like their week has been good and they are getting their heads right. All of the guys know they should expect finals games to have a faster tempo, and a greater intensity.
"We've got to go out there and enjoy the ride. Some players get overawed by playing finals footy, and some players grab the opportunity. We've got to grab it, and take it on."
Kimmorley, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on Monday, pointed to Stuart's immense experience and proven success in finals football during his playing days with Canberra and his successful coaching stint at the Roosters. That shapes as a big plus for the Sharks.
"He knows exactly what he is talking about," the former NSW and Australian playmaker said. "We don't have the Rocky music playing. He knows what we've got as a football team, so in the last couple of weeks we've been training with more intensity and focusing more on video.
"Apart from that, it's been about getting tighter as a group, going into the finals series. We trained today and then had lunch together - just a good bunch of blokes having a feed and enjoying each other's company."
The only team with less play-off experience than Cronulla among the remaining eight teams is Canberra, whose players have 29 finals appearances between them. But, just like he says it is attitude, rather than numbers, that matters most with his side, Kimmorley said how the Raiders turned up at Toyota Stadium would depend on how they have approached the game.
"They could have no fear, or they could panic," he said. "It all depends on their preparation.
"We've got a home game, but that doesn't mean we're going to win. We have to make sure we compete at a really high level, for a start. Then you've got to do the simple things right and make smart decisions.
"And, if something goes wrong, you don't panic. You stick to your plan. If you're a good team, you don't lose sight of what got you this far."
