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BroncoKiwi
Match of the Round - Round 24
August 22nd 2008 04:48
Category: News
Sharks v Roosters
By Matthew Johns
7.30pm Friday
This game should be a beauty.
Both teams can smell the top spot but neither to date have kicked on when it’s really needed.
The Roosters run so hot and cold one could mistake them for a set of bath taps. But when the team take stock of who they have in the tri-colours, suddenly they realise they should be blitzing every other team in the comp. That may well include the Storm, who in spite of their freakish talent, just seem to have a stable game plan that works week after week.
The Sharks seem to have a knack of stealing close scoring games. This surely demonstrates the mentality at the club, with a never say die attitude that wouldn’t be out of place in a Queensland State of Origin side. They have a great record of early wins including picking off the reigning premiers and Manly, but dropped the ball on the return match against the Sea Eagles with a 34-6 loss in June.
The Sharks must be happy with their run into the finals with no second match up with the Storm, but instead meet the Roosters, the Tigers and then the cellar dwellers North Queensland, to round out the regular season. They do however need to clock up a win tonight against the Roosters at home to put them in the winning spirit before finals time. They simply cannot afford to doubt their ability going into the finals.
Look for Brett Kimmorley to lead the way, and hopefully find space for the speedster full back Brett Kearney. Greg Bird too has been improving, finding the form of old.
For the Roosters it’s time to put up or shut up. Big Willy has to lead from the front. I’d like to see him play the ball a little faster to let the back row get a roll on. That is about his only natural weakness, that he pushes through the line, but then seems to stand up with little urgency. If he rectifies that – look out.
Sydney have some superb talent in their back line with the likes of Mitchell Pierce, Braith Anasta and Amos Roberts. Given space these guys can cut anyone to shreds.
This will be a real test of mental strength and determination and should be such an exciting visual display of two very different teams looking to establish bragging rights before the business end of the season kicks in…
One not to be missed!
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