The latest articles that make me happy

[WillyInBris]

This is the same as the other thread but Brad does deserve credit as a journalist not many do but he does try at least.

Sharks on up-and-up


BY BRAD FORREST
25 Oct, 2011 04:00 AM

http://www.theleader.com.au

CRONULLA Sharks’ ‘‘punt’’ on adding Todd Carney to their 2012 NRL roster has already paid off — even before the player has signed.The club yesterday reported a
25 per cent increase in new memberships, a day before the Sharks’ new membership brochure had been sent out.

They are privately confident plans for their $300 million retail and property development will be approved by the state government next year, following changes made after months of consultation with various community groups.

And Sharks’ commercial general manager Peter Beaumont said the new membership interest so early in an off-season had developed for a number of reasons.

‘‘We have a good roster of new players already announced, and captain Paul Gallen’s signing for life was a definite spike for both renewals and new members,’’ he said.

‘‘The Members Jersey continues to be a growing success with 20 per cent of all members having ordered the jersey with their name appearing alongside players, staff and all other members.

‘‘Plus, fans realise they will see 12 home games at Toyota Stadium next year [the Sharks have abandoned the Taupo, New Zealand experiment of last season where they played the Warriors at Taupo].’’

Now, Sharks management expect another ‘‘spike’’ of new memberships once the agreement with the brilliant but wayward league star Todd Carney is signed off, later this week. Carney and his manager David Riolo are first expected to meet with NRL chief executive David Gallop, before a two-year deal is done.

Beaumont said the Sharks ‘‘greater player depth’’ had also interested new members.

The loss of props Luke Douglas (Titans) and Kade Snowden (Knights) should be covered by the acquisition of Wests Tigers pair Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Fifita, and ‘‘comeback-kid’’ Ben Ross, backed up by Jon Green (from Dragons) and Mark Taufua (from Knights), while Isaac De Gois’s return from Newcastle at hooker should add spark up the middle.

If Carney and new buy Jeff Robson (Parramatta) are the Sharks’ starting halves, then talented young players like Albert Kelly and Wade Graham will vie for a spot in the centres — a troublesome spot for several years at the Sharks — along with veterans Colin Best and Ben Pomeroy and youngsters Stewart Mills, Ricky Leutele and Matt Wright.

Cronulla has also extended the contract of goal kicking winger John Williams, 26, who impressed in his first season after leaving the Cowboys before an unfortunate leg injury in the middle of the season prevented him playing more than 13 games.

 

[shire1976]

Good article, but the idea of Wade Graham or Albert Kelly playing in the centres while Jeff Robson is in the starting side is laughable. Complete waste of their abilities. Graham is half or lock, Kelly is a half, Robson is a reserve grader.

The halves should be either

Carney/Kelly - Graham lock
Carney/Graham - Kelly bench
Carney/Townsend - if the others are injured

Robson NSW Cup or UK Super League

I'm sure he is a nice guy and gives us depth, but IMO should be our 5th choice in the halves.

 

[WillyInBris]

Yes I guess that just comes down to personal opinion by Brad Forest of how he thinks it may work, bit like some people on this site and our player line ups.

 

[Hughesy215]

i was going to say something similar willy... AK and Graham in the centres isnt the dumbest idea ive read (although it is very dumb)

 

[Blix]

i was going to say something similar willy... AK and Graham in the centres isnt the dumbest idea ive read (although it is very dumb)

HAHAHA, it is close to the stupidest thing I have read for some time.

BUT, his' positive sentiment is GREAT to read !!!!

Carney / AK for the win!!

Remember Carney has an quality long kicking game, and AK's short kicking game is quality!

Also if AK isnt working Townsend straight in!

Graham to lock or second row!

 

[Mark^Bastard]

As much as I don't want Robson at starting half back, worst case scenario if it does happen it's still a well rounded and well matched halves pairing.

 

[andrew's_sharks]

a much better article than than the crap i posted yesterday =). Does anyone have any idea what our membership numbers are at? I can't see kelly as a centre, graham maybe. I think a centre position will go to friz, bakuya or topou.

1. gardaner
2. Mills
3. Friz
4. best
5. Hot dog
6. Carney
7. Townsend
8. Gibbs
9. Degois
10. Ross
11. J smith
12. Graham
13 Gallen

14. Boogie
15. Topou
16. Fifita
17. Kelly

Depth

M wright, Tagatese, Robson, Green, J morris, Peachey, Tafua, Stapleton, Ike

If Friz isnt centre, then Tagatese would get a bench spot and either Topou or Boogie can play centre

 

[A.Snowden]

why does every thread end up in a 'pick your team' thread?

 

[chikenhawk]

As much as I don't want Robson at starting half back, worst case scenario if it does happen it's still a well rounded and well matched halves pairing.

i tend to agree mark. i think if we have Carney in 6, along with Gardner at 1 and Graham at 13 then Robson shouldn't be discarded at 7. Would be good for the team to have a mature head.

I don't know about Carney/Kelly halves - could be boom or bust. But I have faith in Flanno given what he did with Graham and Kelly this year.

I'd like to see Kelly in the centres maybe?

 

[sharks2010]

why does every thread end up in a 'pick your team' thread?

Lol that's funny

 

[WillyInBris]

why does every thread end up in a 'pick your team' thread?

I was thinking exactly the same thing AS

 

[A.Snowden]

Lol that's funny

Why?

 

[Blair]

I dont see why Graham in the centres would work. He is big and robust and there isn't much difference to second row these days. Plus he is a good defender.

I would rather see Graham in the centres if it means boogie can stay in the run on side and leave toops on the bench.

Awesome to finally have some depth!!!!

 

[andrew's_sharks]

why does every thread end up in a 'pick your team' thread?

Because with such an exciting roster with depth in the halves and forwards and uncertainty in the centres...its hard not getting hard over the possibilities of different team make ups. Im struggling not to blow my load with so many exciting possibilities!

 

[Mark^Bastard]

I wouldn't expect Graham to be a 'good defender' in the centres!

 

[gosharkies]

Good article, but the idea of Wade Graham or Albert Kelly playing in the centres while Jeff Robson is in the starting side is laughable. Complete waste of their abilities. Graham is half or lock, Kelly is a half, Robson is a reserve grader.

The halves should be either

Carney/Kelly - Graham lock
Carney/Graham - Kelly bench
Carney/Townsend - if the others are injured

Robson NSW Cup or UK Super League

I'm sure he is a nice guy and gives us depth, but IMO should be our 5th choice in the halves.

agreed

 

[A.Snowden]

Because with such an exciting roster with depth in the halves and forwards and uncertainty in the centres...its hard not getting hard over the possibilities of different team make ups. Im struggling not to blow my load with so many exciting possibilities!

haha fair enough.

 

[josh11223344]

I dont see why Graham in the centres would work. He is big and robust and there isn't much difference to second row these days. Plus he is a good defender.

I would rather see Graham in the centres if it means boogie can stay in the run on side and leave toops on the bench.

Awesome to finally have some depth!!!!

I can defs see kelly as a centre, he is bigger than we think and a good one on one defender who also has the speed and agility to cut down other centres whilst being dangerous with ball in hand.

I don't see graham as a centre though. When playing in the halves he often gets beaten on the outside and is really slow.

 

[snowman]

bigger than we think, he is 177cm... he is a midget

 

[WillyInBris]

bigger than we think, he is 177cm... he is a midget

Get ****ed