Tipping Competition2024

The
GRL Phantom lays the boot into the under-done, overhyped and poor performing
Eels in this week’s edition of Coaching the Coaches.


Cronulla
Sharks V South Sydney Rabbitohs

Saturday 9 August 2008 19:30 - Toyota Stadium

Referee: Ben Cummins

Touch Judges: David Abood, Adam Devcich

Video Referee: Bill Harrigan





Souths and the Sharks have represented
two distinct and contrasting styles of play in season 08 and get the chance to
test these out against each other on Saturday night at Shark Park.

The Sharks under the '''team
philosophy'' coaching of Ricky Stuart love to wear down teams physically and
mentally.



While the Sharks have only scored 56
tries in attack this year, I believe the perception they are a team which
lacks speed and creative attack is incorrect.



I have never seen a team like the
Sharks which get tackled nearer to the line than this team and denied tries.



In fact, in recent weeks the Sharks
have shifted the ball better across the ground and also run better and more
fluent decoy players on the edges of the field, yet have been unable to convert
the half breaks into more tries.



Greg Bird is back in his
rightful place at lock and loves to work down the edges of the field. He
hits the left side with second rower Paul Gallen and Brett Seymour at
five-eighth.



Brett Kimmorley loves to float
around more these days and links on the right with the Sharks right hand side
attack via Fraser Anderson, and David Simmons.



Watch for former Souths' discard
Brett Kearney, following Kimmorley midfield for a short kick or pass back
inside.



The Sharks forwards are what I call
the ''Bunnings'' variety. They are not the sharpest or cleverest tools in
the footy hardware store but they get the job done with a zest for a high
tackle counts and yardage plays.]



Ben Ross has improved in the past six
weeks. He is playing more minutes and works well in attack powering the
ball ahead with Luke Douglas.



Defensively, the Sharks are tough.



They gang tackle and slow the play
the ball down for the attacking team and this frustrates them.



Souths' have played better in the
past eight weeks since coach Jason Taylor went for youth, skill and enterprise.
Craig Wing and Chris Sandow are working nicely in attack.





Nathan Merritt at fullback, loves to
follow the pair in centre-field and Isaac Luke loves to race from dummy-half,
tiring opposition defenders around the rucks.

Verdict: Sharks by seven.



Sydney
Roosters V Parramatta Eels

Sunday 10 August 2008 15:00 - Sydney Football
Stadium

Referee: Jared Maxwell

Touch Judges: Matt Cecchin, Paul Holland

Video Referee: Phil Cooley



The Sydney Roosters meet Parramatta
at the Sydney Football Stadium for the Jack Gibson Cup.





To be honest the Roosters will win
and well.

Brad Fittler has his team back on
track after a few below par performances. Making the finals for the chooks this
year is a building block for the future.



The hard work ethic of their
forwards and all-round philosophy is something the Eels cannot master.





Talent wise the Eels should be in
the top four. But they have a lazy, care-free attitude which has hurt them big time
in season 2008.

The reduction in the interchange
rule has hurt the team more and more as the year goes on.





Some of their forwards are past
their best, don't break the line and play the ball too slow.

The Roosters rely on rushing, line
speed in defence which suffocates teams.





It will work well against the Eels
who don't look fit and athletic enough in the engine room.

The Eels need a player cleanout at
season's end, a super off-season to get fit and most importantly get smart between
the ears.





Brett Finch deserves better and so
does Feleti Mateo. They have played consistently well each week and done their
best in a disappointing outfit.

Verdict:



Roosters by 20. - Read More, Here