Toyota Cup: Sharks 20 - Penrith 16

[Henchmann]

Did we win the Under 20's? Any feedback on the players?

 

[Sir Chadley]

I was there earlier for the Toyota Cup and they had a good 20-16 win. As I said earlier Orcher did alright but I feel that he is talent going to waste in a side that can't give him the opportunities he needs. Our defence was much better than what it has been previously - we held our line quite a bit. The player I think stood out most was Nathan Stapleton. I'd seen him play before and didn't think much of him, but he was great tonight scoring a 70 metre try from an Orcher pass early on and a great leap for the ball later on in the first half. Matthew Wright the new buy from the Panthers played well, he did some good things, kicks left footed and defended well with some great hits. I did expect more from him in attack though and everyone said that he was very fast but he didn't seem to get out of first gear much. Johnny Mannah was a tower of strength up front and a fellow off the interchange bench Ahmad Ellaz made a few good breaks. Jason McGrady disappointed me - he is absolutely tiny, looks like he's about 12 years of age, but he defended well. Its his attack that didn't impress me - he didn't try to run the ball, gave passes to supports too flat and was creamed almost every time he got the ball. He needs to work on that a bit.

 

[Henchmann]

Good update on the under 20s Chad, it was pretty comprehensive, thanks!

Is Orcher really as quick as you say? I watched them down this way at Seiffert Oval in Jan and he didnt seem that quick, but it was right in off season.

 

[WillyInBris]

Good update on the under 20s Chad, it was pretty comprehensive, thanks!

Is Orcher really as quick as you say? I watched them down this way at Seiffert Oval in Jan and he didnt seem that quick, but it was right in off season.

**** peachey isn't going to shut up about Orcher all bloody week

 

[Sir Chadley]

Is Orcher really as quick as you say? I watched them down this way at Seiffert Oval in Jan and he didnt seem that quick, but it was right in off season.

You can take it from me Henchmann, he is quick! I still remember the 100 metre try he scored against the Eels last year. And there was another one when he got the ball 30 metres out from the line and just out paced three defenders to score.

I really think he needs to be in first grade.

 

[Henchmann]

Speed is a great asset and something we need, but whats his defence like? thats probably a more important question if were considering him for 1st grade??

I liked John Mannah when i saw him in the trial, hard worker alright! and strong.

 

[sharkbait hoohaha]

Nathan Stapleton had a blinder. Very impressed with front rower John Viiga. Racked up a solid 40 odd tackles with 20 something hit ups and deservedly earned sharks 20s players player of the game. Brilliant right edge defence. Definitely wasn't a game for outside backs but was pleased with the way the young guys dominated the ruck on defense. Tremendous numbers in tackle. Also a great game for 2nd rowers Trent Grubb and Luke Latham. Not to mention the front rowers, including the bench. Ricky Leutele looks exciting on the left edge at centre, powerful scoots. As for Orcher, he may get his go now that BK is injured. However Young Blake Ferguson could go to fullback. Upto Sticky

 

[Pomeroy#3]

You may be a bit excited about Viiga and may have exaggerated his stats a little. Thought I'd post his official stats:

Hit ups (metres): 5 (40m)
Tackles (missed): 28 (0)

It does look like Stapleton played well. Having 10 runs for 117m and scoring 14 points on the night.

 

[Sir Chadley]

It does look like Stapleton played well. Having 10 runs for 117m and scoring 14 points on the night.

One of those runs was for 80 metres so that is a bit misleading. But yes Stapleton had a great game with two tries and four goals - 16 points actually.

 

[pandapat]

You may be a bit excited about Viiga and may have exaggerated his stats a little. Thought I'd post his official stats:

Hit ups (metres): 5 (40m)
Tackles (missed): 28 (0)

It does look like Stapleton played well. Having 10 runs for 117m and scoring 14 points on the night.

ZING LOL!

 

[Megashark]

Match report from the club website:

Toyota Cup – Sharks v Panthers – match report

Against one of the teams predicted to be amongst the front runners in the Toyota Cup competition, the Sharks have started the 2009 season in perfect fashion with a bruising 20-16 victory over Penrith.

The Sharks started with a second minute try in the ideal beginning but were forced to defend for long periods of time in grinding out an impressive win.

Nathan Stapleton crossed for two of the Sharks tries, the first in the opening exchanges coming after a 75 metre dash, while he jumped high over his opposite number to cross for his second four-pointer of the night.

Stapleton also had a good night with the boot, kicking four goals from as many attempts.

The Sharks other try came from former Panther, Matt Wright, the Sharks five eighth putting up bomb before backing up and receiving a pass from fullback Ben Orcher to dive over under the posts.

While the Sharks had a number of strong performers on the night, particularly in the forwards, there were no better than prop forward John Viiga, with coach Joey Grima singling him out for special praise after the match.

Viiga was ably assisted by captain Luke Latham and a non-stop effort from second rower Trent Grubb.

The under-20 Sharks, similarly to their NRL counterparts, had some injury concerns, with Blake Williamson injuring a knee and Jake Denford his back.


SHARKS 20
Nathan Stapleton 2, Matthew Wright tries, Stapleton 4 goals
Beat
PENRITH 16
Ioritana Tuau, Tinirau Arona, Daniel Penese tries, Stirling Siejka 2 goals

 

[bort]

good night for stapleton to step up and have a big one as him or orcher and outsiders to get a good crack at fullback

 

[sharks86]

stapleton & orcher both deserve a crack at 1st grade, they were the stand outs for the u20's last year and look like they have continued the good form into this season.

 

[FoRzA aZzUrRi]

i would love to see viga see some 1st grade.. his gutsy great defender