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Wayne Bennett is the answer for Dragons

Wayne Bennett is just what the St George Illawarra Dragons need writes Adam Sutcliffe. With years of inconsistent results and a playing roster the envy of the NRL, many have questioned whether the great Wayne Bennett will be able to get this side winning on a weekly basis and give them genuine crack at the Rugby League Premiership.

As punters have watched the Dragons go round and fail miserably under Nathan Brown, some have chosen to blame the coach directly and others have felt it was a case of the players simply not turning up. The rumour around NRL clubs, is that almost every other team enjoys facing the Dragons - players talk about a soft, easy match up each time they travel to face the Saints. A scary thought for fans and the club itself, but ultimately the buck stops with the coach. Brown has had quite a few years at the helm now and while he has improved in some areas - it’s Brownie that needs to make the changes if players aren’t performing.

Regardless of a players standing in the game, ability or experience - if he isn’t performing weekly, then changes need to be made. The key is finding that balance, keeping the fear in the player that he might be dropped but ultimately not making wholesale changes too regularly - such is the tough job of the coach.

Even though the likes of Trent Barrett, Luke Bailey, Lance Thomson and Matt Head have all left the club - they still boast a talented roster that has youth and ability on their side. Ok, while Josh Morris has walked away to sign with the Bulldogs next year - they still have some exciting prospects in Chase Stanley, Jason Nightingale and Jamie Soward. The worry for Wayne Bennett and Dragons supporters though - are the current crop of players too mentally tarnished after long periods of poor results?

Can their memories be erased, re-configured and setup to have a positive weekly outlook and ultimately the belief to win consistently under Bennett?

After watching their performance yesterday against the Sydney Roosters, I think there is plenty to look forward to over at St George Illawarra next year.

Yesterday we saw the skills, the correct positional placements and for the most part, error free and penalty free football that got the Saints home comfortably.

Nathan Brown seems to have come a long way as a coach technically, but I feel it’s the mental preparation that has been lacking and probably the biggest drawback is that Brownie may be ‘too close’ to some of the players. As a coach you want the utmost respect from your players, but being mates is not the ideal mix - probably even more so in todays fiercely competitive NRL environment.

Take for example Jason Ryles. The big prop has featured in headlines in recent weeks, keen to start afresh at another club after a year of controversy. A talented forward, Ryles has been hammered by injury and has probably lacked a yard of fitness in 2008. Four years ago, this guy was the best prop in the game bar none - but times change. Big Jason looks to be blowing at times and while his statistics might look good on paper this year, word has it that Bennett isn’t a fan.

Dropped to the bench a few weeks ago after poor performances and then costing his team the game with a brain snap penalty in golden point - Brownie should have been harsher with Ryles earlier in the year. While forward stocks aren’t as strong as they used to be at the Dragons - regardless, you can’t afford to have a liability in your side.

For all the skills taught, set plays and smart replacements made by the best coaches - the real skill is their ability to mentor players. Not mentoring them in how to catch a ball, pass a ball or kick a ball - mentally preparing the players is the biggest requirement of a modern day coach. By the time players reach first grade of NRL, they generally possess every skill known to man - sure, they will learn things with experience on the big stage and they have skills and fitness coaches available to them at a club - but at a time when almost any team can win on their day, it’s preparing players mentally for battle and keeping them ‘up’ on a weekly basis that remains the key.

This is where Bennett is without peer.

Commanding the respect of players, Bennett has that aura that draws players in like a magnet. He has that ability to win the trust of players, they want to win for him every single week. Such is the respect he holds, even when he drops a player - rarely do they cry foul, they usually lift another gear and soon find their way back into the top ranks.

The perfect example is the case of Justin Hodges. Always a talent and an NRL superstar, the lure of money and the bright lights of Sydney saw the impressive centre switch to the Sydney Roosters. While Hodges put in some good performances for the Roosters, his niggle and dirty tactics saw him become the most hated player by peers and fans. Every time he did something well on the football field, he would follow it up by a brainsnap. He’d score a try then throw the ball at an opposing player, TV networks would have to screen their sideline mic’s as he trash talked everyone near him and it all came to a climax when the tough talking Hodges threatened to ‘get’ Ryan Girdler in the carpark after an on-field spat.

So while Hodges might have been scoring tries, the penalties he was giving away were killing the Roosters chances of winning consistently. Hodges fell by the wayside, personal problems arose and it all exploded.

Enter Bennett.

Many were amazed when the Broncos resigned Justin Hodges. But Bennett knew that he could man manage Hodges on a personal level and get his head in the right place. He was always a talented player, but Bennett took the trash talking and dirty stuff out his game and got him playing the best football of his career.

Such is the ability of the man, this is why Dragons fans should be excited. Even the current roster that has come under question can be moulded by Wayne Bennett.

Who knows, pigs might really start to fly in 2009 and the St George Illawarra Dragons might win an NRL Premiership.

Broncos consign Souths to 7th loss - 32-18

South Sydney have slumped to their 7th successive loss for 2008, crashing out 32-18 to a lively Brisbane Broncos outfit in Queensland tonight. The Broncos well and truly focused for their ANZAC Clash and coming out with all guns firing to blow the desperate Bunnies away.

Like Manly last Friday night, the Broncos finished with no fresh reserves due to a handful of serious injuries to the home side, with Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Steve Michaels and Tonie Carroll unable to finish the game.

With the Broncos decimated through injury, the Rabbitohs were able to mount a belated comeback in the final fifteen minutes, but could not reel in the dominant Broncos lead.

The match started in tragic fashion for the Brisbane side, with teenage centre Steve Michaels stretchered off in just the 3rd minute with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

The loss of Michaels had no affect on the Broncos however, with rookie Brisbane winger Denan Kemp finishing off a sweeping backline movement to crash over wide out just two tackles later.

With a glutton of goal-kickers to choose from, Broncos hooker Michael Ennis was given first shot at the kicking duties, but pushed it wide to leave it at 4-0 after five minutes.

Ennis extended the home sides lead in the 15th minute with a penalty goal for a Souths indiscretion, with the Broncos extending their lead seven minutes later when replacement centre Joel Moon slid between two Rabbitohs defenders for a 10-0 lead.

Souths hit back five minutes later in simple fashion; backrower David Fa’alogo bursting through attempted tackles by Broncos Sam Thaiday and Ben Hannant to score a typically barnstorming four-pointer.

In his first game back from injury, Souths hooker Isaac Luke nailed the conversion to make it 10-6 after half an hour.

Despite starting the game from the bench through a bout of the flu, representative centre Justin Hodges put the home side further ahead when he accepted a neat pass off the hip from Tonie Carroll to barge over.

Ennis again hooked his conversion wide, leaving the Broncos with a 14-6 half-time advantage.

The Brisbane crowd rose as one in the 49th minute thanks to a breathtaking seventy metre movement from the home side, Brisbane fullback Darius Boyd showing tremendous speed to fly down the sideline before unselfishly passing inside to Denan Kemp to dot down under the posts.

The game was as good over when Ennis crashed over from dummy-half four minutes later, with the nuggetty hooker’s third goal pushing the lead out to 26-6.

Two late tries to zippy Souths winger Nathan Merritt kept the crowd on the edge of the seats, with Moon’s second try killing off Souths chances.

Brisbane Broncos 32
Tries: Joel Moon 2, Denan Kemp 2, Justin Hodges, Michael Ennis
Goals: Michael Ennis 4
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 18
Tries: Nathan Merritt 2, David Fa’alogo
Goals: George Ndaira 2, Isaac Luke

At Suncorp Stadium

Referee – Jason Robinson

Dragons breathe fire to upset Roosters 26-6

The St George Illawarra Dragons put it all together today as they railroaded the Sydney Roosters with an impressive display, 26-6. In front of a big crowd at ANZ Stadium, the Dragons came out firing from the outset and never looked back as they completed their sets and showed too much committment for a lethargic Roosters.

Wearing light blue WWII replica jerseys, last worn in 1945 when there was an ink shortage in Australia - the Roosters had no answer to the Dragons desire as they came out very strong.

The Dragons produced a high quality, composed performance for the entire eighty minutes to notch just their second victory of the season, with recalled half Jamie Soward and hooker Dean Young the standout performers.

The Roosters were lucky not to be beaten by a bigger scoreline, with Brad Fittler’s men failing to complete sets - ultimately cruelling any chance of mounting a comeback. Only Anthony Tupou was a standout for the Roosters, hitting the line hard and proving a handful for the Dragons all day - but his teammates looked dis-interested as they lost touch with the enemy.

It was a spectacular start for the besieged Dragons; Jamie Soward producing a towering bomb for Ben Hornby to climb above Roosters fullback Sam Perrett and open the scoring in just the 3rd minute, with Soward’s conversion giving the visitor’s an early 6-0 lead. The Dragons continued to use kicks to dazzle the Roosters, targetting Amos Roberts several times and pulling off some pinpoint plays as they completed a staggering 90% of their sets in the first half - something the Dragons have rarely looked even close to doing this year.

The Dragons made it back-to-back tries less than a minute later, this time a miscued Hornby kick floated into the arms of centre Josh Morris, with the zippy utility beating two defenders before drawing Perrett, to provide Jason Nightingale a clear run to the line.

Soward’s sideline conversion never looked like missing, handing the Dragons a surprise 12-0 lead in just the 8th minute of play.

After firing a few volleys across the Dragons bow, the Roosters were the next to score through a typically bullocking try to lock Anthony Tupou, with Craig Fitzgibbons simple conversion making it 12-6 after 21 minutes.

A Soward penalty goal for a Riley Brown high shot pushed the visitor’s lead out to 14-6, with a 39th minute try to a determined Josh Morris enabling the Dragons to go to the sheds with a dominant 18-6 lead.

With both sides struggling to control possession in the muddy conditions, the majority of the second half turned into an old fashioned forward arm wrestle.

The game was as good as over when Simon Woolford slotted a pinpoint grubber through for Morris to score his second, with Soward’s conversion, and another penalty goal in the 72nd minute completing the four tries to one rout.

Both teams now have a weeks rest courtesy of their Round 8 bye.

St George-Illawarra Dragons 26
Tries: Josh Morris, Ben Hornby, Jason Nightingale, Brett Morris
Goals: Jamie Soward 5
defeated
Sydney Roosters 6
Tries: Anthony Tupou
Goals: Craig Fitzgibbon

At ANZ Stadium

Referee – Sean Hampstead
Crowd – 21,596

Danger for Roosters against Dragons

As the Sydney Roosters prepare to take on the struggling Dragons today at ANZ Stadium, they must be weary of the wounded St George Illawarra side that features several players playing for contracts as the club continues to push towards a new look under Wayne Bennett in 2009.

Things are already starting to happen at the Dragons, Josh Morris the promising son of Steve Morris has been quickly snapped up by the Bulldogs - the rangy outside back frustrated at the lack of first grade opportunities at his current club. Jason Ryles has been touted all week as a possible trade target and coach Nathan Brown has made it clear he won’t be walking away from the club early as pressure continues to take its toll. Old saviour Trent Barrett has also been mentioned, as the club looks to bring home it’s favourite son in the hope of more stability.

This all spells danger for the Roosters. The Dragons are simply so unpredictable at the moment, they could quite easily come out and throw the ball around and rack up 40 points before you even know it. Sure, they have the tendancy to go missing at times too and are able to conceed 40 points just the same.

While Brad Fittler and his side will have prepared for Mark Gasnier taking part, its still tough preparing for the unpredictable Dragons. They are playing some players out of position at the moment, they chop and change positions during the match and you just don’t know what plays they will pull out, because they simply have nothing to lose as it stands presently.

The best thing the Roosters can do, is to ensure their own game is in order and concentrate on being ‘mentally’ up for this clash. Fittler will again have his set plays ready to be rolled out and the Roosters will continue to impress in attack as they have done this year, but it seems the concern for the Bondi boys is remaining pumped for the less important games.

Willie Mason seems to be the biggest culprit in this area. He did it at the Bulldogs and continues to live life the same way, he can have the game of the century on the big stage - but at other times he struggles to lift for the less important clashes. This was never more evident last week than against the Knights, Mason looking in 2nd gear for most of the game and showing signs of laziness in defence as Danny Wicks blasted through to score a nice Knights try.

So with this in mind, the Roosters need to ensure they can register a win against struggling opposition. This will continue to enhance their premiership stocks and show they are truly ready to take on all comers as they emerge as premiership contenders in 2008.

Parramatta release Tim Smith

Troubled Parramatta Eels halfback Tim Smith was today officially released by the club, as the Eels try and free up funds to keep in-form playmaker Brett Finch.

Battling mental illness, Smith sought indefinite leave from the club - but raised eyebrows when he asked for further funding from the club while on leave. The Eels, while initially concerned about the possibility of Tim Smith playing for another club - had no choice but to cut ties with the young half, so they could focus energies and funding on keeping Brett Finch.

Such is the competition among clubs for players, that the Gold Coast Titans made a casual approach to Tim Smith as the half returned to his Gold Coast home. Titans CEO Michael Searle offered the olive branch to Smith and said they would be happy to help him out should he need it. While frustrating for the Eels, it seems they have no other choice but to free up the cash.

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald confirmed Smith had been released from his deal after negotiations between the club and Smith’s manager David Riolo.

Fitzgerald said the release means the young player can now focus fully on his recovery from mental illness.

“The past six months have been a difficult time for Tim and his family, but now with the release from his playing contract he will be able to devote one hundred per cent of his energies to controlling the disorder without the pressures of being an NRL player in the media spotlight,” Fitzgerald said.

The 23-year-old had been contracted to the club until 2009.

Riolo said Smith was appreciative of the support he had received from the club during his career.

“Tim’s recovery is an ongoing thing, needless to say it’s been a difficult time for everyone so this resolution is appreciated,” Riolo said.

The Eels will now try to forge a new combination in the halves, the in form Brett Finch playing at 7 and the talented Feleti Mateo at five eighth. The Eels are 2 wins from 6 and starting to get the wobbles and will be keen to erase the problems that have plauged them in early season 2008.

Is the Salary Cap a Good Thing?

Is the NRL Salary Cap a good thing asks Ricky Ricardo? While there are claims its water tight and rarely avoided these days, are all the clubs abiding by the rules?

Despite the constant efforts over the past 15 years or so, some teams are still breaching the salary cap. Teams are desperate to hang on to key players and promising juniors that they will resort to any available methods to keep or obtain the players they want. The problem is, some teams are better at it than others - and essentially have more blackmarket cash to throw around.

The most recent example is the Willie Mason saga, the big forward being snared by the Sydney Roosters and many scratching their heads at the aquisition. Sure, poor old Ashley Harrison was bumped off and forced to look elsewhere to free up some cash - but the Roosters seemed unlikely to snare Mason on face value. It does make you wonder.

Do teams simply offload players to save money, or is the salary cap simply an excuse to appease fans and players?

While the salary cap has some merit and ensures a close competition for the most part, it naturally restricts the NRL from growing at a quicker rate and while many feel the loss of players to the Super League and Rugby Union is the biggest concern, what about the potential players we could lure from all international codes if we had more money to throw around?

Yes, at the moment club budgets are tight and some clubs are in the red. But think about the big picture, if we open the flood gates then potential new sponsors could be knocking on the door and the exposure would grow along with the paypackets.

Money makes money. It’s always been true and the NRL should take this into account.

The NRL Salary Cap for 2008 is $4.1 million for the 25 highest paid players at each club. If each players was aid an equal amount, they would get about $160,000 each. Clubs can exercise their discretion in relation to how much individual players are paid, providing that total payments do not exceed the $4.1m cap. In addition to the $4.1m cap for its top 25 players, each club may spend up to an additional $350,000 on players outside the top 25 who play in the NRL competition.

Breaching these strict rules of the cap can result in either minor or severe consequences as many teams have discovered. In 1991, the Canberra Raiders were fined $100,000 and ordered to pay $85,000 excess from 1990. In 2000, eight clubs were fined with the Newcastle Knights paying the most, $159,000. 2001 saw three teams fined for a breach with the North Queensland Cowboys paying up $100,000. In what has been the biggest breach of the NRL salary cap to date, the Canterbury Bulldogs were fined a massive $500,000 and were stripped of all 37 competition points for systematic breaches totalling $920,000.

That’s the equivalent of the payout of two of the best NRL players currently in the game. As a result of the fine, the Bulldogs finished as wooden spooners for that year and to make matters worse, two senior officials at the club were sentenced to seven years jail for fraudulent activity. Having suffered such severe consequences, does this incident tarnish the reputation of the Bulldogs? In 20 or 30 years, is this the main incident the Bulldogs will be remembered by? Or will they be remembered for their on-field results?

Again, only time will tell us what really happens. Breaches of the cap continued in 2003, 2004 and 2005 when yet another major breach arose in 2006 with the New Zealand Warriors being the main culprit. It was revealed that their former management had exceeded the salary cap in 2004-2005. The club were fined $430,000, had to start the season with a four point deficit, and were ordered to play 2007 under a reduced salary cap of $3.15 million (and a reduced salary floor of $2.79 million. Again the question must be asked, have the Warriors lost some credibility as a result of such a serious breach?

If you take into account the amount of breaches and these are the ones that were discovered, you immediately see that clubs are doing everything to get around the cap or well and truly push the boundaries. Even as the NRL cap auditing team continue to make inroads, we must try to look at the bigger picture. Reward the smart operators, teams that are more astute with their finances and recruit well should be rewarded.

Don’t break up the best teams, it simply promotes the mediocricy and doesn’t reward anyone. Put simply, it’s Communism by another name - maybe it’s time we lifted the cap and took our game to the next level?

(Ricky ‘Ricardo’ Ascenso continues his role with NRL News on work experience.)

Souths: Time is the Enemy for Taylor

Jason Taylor started his coaching career on the ultimate high, after taking over the reigns from Brian Smith at Parramatta - Jason Taylor went on to win a stack of games in succession and drag the struggling Eels into the NRL finals series.

Such an explosive start for Taylor, saw him quickly snapped up and upgraded to head coach at South Sydney. Already signed as an assistant for the following year - Taylors success saw him immediately placed ahead of Shaun McRae as bomber was pushed aside and forced to look elsewhere for work.

The good times continued for the hard working Taylor, the Bunnies bristling with talent for the first time in ages and riding the wave of headlines generated from new owners Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe. The Rabbitohs would sneak into the NRL Finals for the first time in 15 years - Taylor guiding the team into a new era and high expectations.

Even the off-season was productive for them, Souths were now an attractive option for players. Suddenly the likes of Craig Wing and Luke Lewis were keenly interested in joining the new globetrotters of the NRL. Things couldn’t be better, overseas exposure, high membership growth and constant headlines - it was perfect.

Even days before the season kicked off, Souths kept their sponsorship asking price high - much higher than other teams and still secured a lucrative deal with the NAB (National Australia Bank) for home sponsorship. They were the envy of the league.

Then the 2008 NRL season started.

It’s almost like someone had a voodoo doll out, pricking and prodding at the helpless Rabbitohs. From the moment they took the field there were problems. Everyone saw what happened to Craig Wing, their star signing immediately injured and shelved for a few months.

Confidence took a hit right away. They lost the hyped match to high profile neighbours the Roosters and their star half was written off.

You know the script, things continued to get worse. After a few more lossess, their young hope Issac Luke was forced to the sidelines with injury. What about Nigel Vagana? No one really knows what happened there. His form was only average earlier in the year, he certainly looked a few yards off the pace - was he asked to sit aside? Did they rest him from first grade, but spare him the humiliation? Only the inner-sanctum really knows. Either way, he returns this week as the Bunnies try their upteenth halves combination.

As it is for the team, time is also critical for Jason Taylor. Amazingly, should the Bunnies continue to remain winless - Souths have no choice but to review his position. For all his work ethic and seemingly bright future, these days NRL is a business and ultimately the buck stops with Jason Taylor.

No one has dared even mention the sacking of Jason Taylor, major media outlets have chosen not to tread on that ground yet. It’s widely known that Souths have been wining and dining the Sydney media and possibly this has something to do with the coach remaining out of the glare?

To Taylors credit, he has not shyed away from the problem. Facing the media recently on the NRL Footy Show on Channel 9 to discuss the siutation and answer questions put to him.

The pressure is still taking its toll on the young Taylor, seeing him run down from the coaches box against the Sharks and give his team an on field gee-up shows just how much he is feeling the heat. While some tried to spin this in a positive light, this was a real step backwards for Jason Taylor. Previously he had shown maturity much beyond his years, by dropping his bundle and desperately approaching his team on the sideline - he immediately drew comparisons with Nathan Brown and the slapping incident. His only previous blemish was the blow up with Michael Hagan at Parramatta Stadium, Taylor unable to resist firing some barbs at the new Eels coach within earshot of the media.

Is it the beginning of the end for Jason Taylor? Quite possibly. In these tough times of NRL - it’s pure business. Should the Bunnies remain winless over the next few weeks, anything is possible. It’s interesting to note the New Zealand media are already calling for a scalp - that shows just how kind the Sydney press have been in recent weeks.

It’s more than D-Day for Souths tonight as they face the might of the Broncos - they need this badly. The only person that would be smiling at the moment would be George Piggins - the former head of Souths would be rubbing his hands with glee as the new owners of Souths stumble at the helm.

Maybe the Bunnies should investigate whos holding that voodoo doll? Is it George Piggins or Nick Politis?

Cronulla: Don’t be Noddies!

Why on earth would Cronulla want to be changing a winning a formula? Adam Sutcliffes asks why would Cronulla even dream of altering their NRL course in 2008?

Sitting well near the top of the NRL ladder, the Cronulla Sharks are reportedly looking to offload Brett Kimmorley in a potential trade deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Not only is the deal being sought out - if successful, the trade would commence immediately and impact on both teams current 2008 campaign.

For St George, things couldn’t get any worse - so the appearance of Noddy in their line-up cannot be a bad thing. Struggling for cohesion and experience, the Dragons would love to have him on board. Why on earth Simon Woolford is on the outer I will never know, the experienced Woolfood is the kind of passionate player the Dragons need - yet Brownie seems reluctant to let Woolford run his own race.

Anyway, back to those Sharks. Even if the situation between Ricky Stuart and Brett Kimmorley isn’t ideal and the guys don’t agree 100% on how the side should be run, things seem to be going swimmingly at the moment - why rock the boat? Especially when the Sharks are smashing through all expectations!

We talk about how important a coach is to an NRL side, but just as important is smart planning and networking by a club CEO. A quality CEO has the forsight to be planning for the future, looking for players on offer and ensuring talented lower graders are being looked after and getting their chances, before they get too impatient.

You have to respect Wayne Bennett and Peter Doubst in this situation, as the power brokers for the Dragons, they are plotting a course for a true assault on the NRL premiership in 2009 - ensuring the likes of either Brett Kimmorley or Trent Barrett are on deck, planning and strategising well in advance.

I don’t think you can say the same about the Sharks. While there is no doubt Ricky Stuart is doing things right and new CEO Tony Zappia has good credentials - why one earth would they be offloading the reliable and experienced Brett Kimmorley. Sure, he doesn’t come cheap and Noddy takes a fair chunk of the salary cap - but as he steers them successfully around the park and keeps the results coming in, surely you wouldn’t want to brush him?

The other advantage of Brett Kimmorley is that he is durable. Rarely injured, battle hardened - he is the ultimate competitor. In exchange the Sharks want Jason Ryles, now this makes even less sense. Ryles was once the ultimate forward in the NRL - a strong, metre eating forward that had a quality offload. With respect, Ryles has been hampered heavily by injury and has lost his aura. Playing little football, he lost his confidence and has been playing at well below his best in the past few seasons.

If this trade should occur, it’s all upside for the St George Illawarra Dragons and mere stupidity for the Cronulla Sharks.

So as the Sharks sit favourably on the NRL table, it seems they just can’t see a premiership winning side when it looks them in the face. Yep, should this deal come off - everyone at Cronulla will end up looking like Noddies.

Munsies Mail NRL Round 7

With the Grubber still laid up in hospital, we have asked TAB Sportsbet guru - Glenn Munsie to speak his mind on the upcoming NRL Round 7. Glenn how do you see things playing out? 

The best chances of upsets this week look to be Nth Qld, who strike Melbourne after the Storm had a good scare against Canberra on Monday night.

The Cowboys have now put three on end after an average start to the season with Matt Bowen crossing for a treble last week.

The Wests Tigers, with Benji Marshall back, look great value at $2.20 against Cronulla on Sunday.

The Tigers have beaten Cronulla in their last eight meetings, and while Cronulla are having trouble scoring points - the boys from Campbelltown are having no trouble getting across the opposition’s line.

There’s been good early support for competition leaders Gold Coast with a bet of $20,000 on them -5.5 at $1.90 v Warriors, while short priced favourites Brisbane and Sydney Roosters have been popular in multis.

My tips: Sydney Roosters, Brisbane, Manly, Nth Qld, Gold Coast, Wests Tigers

Remember Round 7 begins at 3.15pm Friday.

Good Punting,
Munsie

There’s been good early support for competition leaders Gold Coast with a bet of $20,000 on them -5.5 at $1.90… Glenn Munsie, TAB Sportsbet

Cronulla Sharks: Silent but Deadly

You only have to look at the NRL Results for the Cronulla Sharks this year and you can see them settled high on the NRL Table. Battle hardened under Ricky Stuart, the physical and committed Sharks have improved ever so slightly from 2007 and it’s more than enough to get them over the line consistently - even without the likes of Ben Ross and Paul Gallen.

Cronulla Sharks fans must be in raptures, they’ve gone through a tough period and had problems attracting everything from quality players, to regular fans at home games and even coaches at various stages. From those heighty days of Mat Rogers, ET and David Peachey lighting up Toyota Park for the local fans who would rock on over to Carmens after a good win, but things started going down hill quickly for the Shire side.

The coaching revolving door kicking in, with hardliner Chris Anderson taking over from John Lang and eventually getting booted for local boy Stuart Raper. The likeable Raper had a tough time with the players at his disposal and couldn’t get the side to be consistent. Crowds walked, results stunk and the club was probably lucky to hang on to some sponsors during this period.

It’s been a long rebuilding process for Cronulla, but their blueprint should be looked at closely and used by other sides that go through tough times. The first building block of any club should start with the coach. Putting aside the back office and financial support that clubs require - the results start from the employment of a quality, respected coach.

When Ricky Stuart fell out with Nick Politis and the Sydney Roosters, the Sharks were very astute in nabbing the promising coach. Stuart, already a premiership winner at a young age was moulded by the experienced Phil Gould and had a head on his shoulders years above his age. Not only was Stuart a good coach, he had the respect of the best players in the competition and had big pulling power.

Ricky Stuart and his influence were there for all to see last year, while the Sharks didn’t make the NRL Top 8 - they had solid, scrambling defence and punched well above their playing weight. Had a few golden point and 2 point matches gone their way, they were Top 4 for sure.

Fast forward to 2008. The Sharks have worked on things, improved the system and are getting home in the close games. Impressive defence and a committed group of players has the team well and truly on the rise, while we don’t want to jinx the boys - their profile is quickly rising in NRL ranks. Anthony Tupou earlier this week signed on with the Sharks to play under former coach Ricky Stuart - a massive NRL signing coup, considering the Roosters and Manly were chasing the explosive backrower big time. Adding Anthony Tupou to an already sparkling backrow of Paul Gallen and Greg Bird gives the Sharks their much needed spark and creativity in attack. Tupou has one of the best second phase games in the NRL and will naturally give the Sharks the unpredictability they need to get more linebreaks.

Late yesterday there was talk that the Sharks could be involved in a deal swap involving Brett Kimmorley going to the Dragons in exchange for the maligned Jason Ryles. Many have been critical of Ryles in recent times, but the former Australian forward has impressive statistics regardless and providing he remains fit - he is a prominent player that can get the job done. The other reason for the deal swap is salary cap pressure, the Sharks are flying close to the wind and need to possibly offload Ben Ross to get some breathing space in the bank.

Ross has been a solid performer but obviously his discipline has strained relations with the club and they are keen to offload him to an interested Hull side in the UK Super League.

Everything is working like clockwork for the boys in blue at the moment, the only item remaining on their checklist for 2008 is a much craved premiership - something the Sharks are yet to pull off since entering the Rugby League world in 1967.

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