Oracle of Delphi
KC Hill
Arnold
Paladin
Craig HillNRL Club Analysis
August 15th 2006 05:27
Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from now till the end of the season, www.league.net.au will analyse the progress and issues of all the 15 NRL clubs.
Each analysis will consist of your teams form, spotlight on form player and focus on your clubs lead news story of the week.
Brisbane Broncos
FORM:
The Broncos showed signs that they were coming back into form last weekend against the Melbourne Storm, but unfortunately are still not concentrating for the full 80 minutes. After racing to an early 10-0 lead, the Broncos were dominating the ruck area and field position, but continually came up with a poor end to their sets of six.
Whilst Shane Perry tried his best at halfback, the Broncos desperately need to identify an alternative halfback who possesses a good short kicking game to relieve some pressure off skipper, Darren Lockyer. Maybe the return of incumbent Test fullback Karmichael Hunt could be an option, as his electrifying pace and footwork, coupled with his solid defence, could provide the Broncos with the attacking halves combination they have been lacking thus far.
FORM PLAYER:
While most of the Broncos big guns stepped up against the Storm, it was the shift to fullback for representative centre Justin Hodges that sparked the Broncos to life. Renowned for his robust defence, Hodges was able to pick and choose when to choose to inject himself in attack, and played a key role in the Broncos 2 tries. Also the fact that Hodges can get his hands on the football a lot more at the back is another major plus for the Brisbane side.
NEWS FEATURE:
No great news stories’ emitting from the Broncos this week, but it was great to see the Brisbane forward pack stand up and be noticed against the Storm. Petero Civonciceva and Shane Webcke kept going forward all day, with Tonie Carroll pulling off some of his trademark rattling defensive hits, while Shaun Berrigan was solid and mistake free at hooker.
However, the Broncos forwards need to lift again this week as they take on the best forward pack in the competition – the Canterbury Bulldogs. What an awesome contest this promises to be – Webcke, Civoniceva, Thorn, Carroll, Thaiday and Parker, to take on the might of O’Meley, Asotasi, Mason, Myles, Ryan, Maitua and Sonny Bill.
Canterbury Bulldogs
FORM:
The Bulldogs notched up their 7th win in succession against the Dragons on Sunday, but haven’t really needed to extend themselves thus far. They are not playing poorly by any stretch of the imagination, but one can sense that cum September the Belmore boys are going to lift another notch. Any team that can afford to have Sonny Bill and Nate Myles sitting on the bench, are always going to be a danger, hence why the bookmakers have listed them as premiership favourites.
FORM PLAYER:
As most of the ‘Dogs are in reasonable form, it is hard to single any one player out. But one player who must be awarded praise is rampaging second rower, Willie Mason. The big guy has matured and taken his game to another level this year, and is definitely trying to clean up his bad boy public image.
A feature of Mason’s play this season has been his maturity in handling poor refereeing decisions. A few times this season, Willie has been penalised for dubious high shots, but while showing that he doesn’t agree with the decision, he has just put his mouthguard back in his mouth, and ran back into the defensive line. Even when either he or a team mate has had a blatantly wrong call go against them, he has just shut his mouth and got on with the game. Good on you Willie, for showing the maturity to accept the official’s decision, something which a certain other representative player must learn to do!
NEWS FEATURE:
Veteran Lock Tony Grimaldi commented on Monday that players should have the right to swear at referees and touch judges. Grimaldi was apparently defending the furore surrounding Andrew Johns’ colourful description of touch judge Matt Cecchin, by declaring that if an official makes a blatantly wrong call, than a player should be allowed to swear and show their displeasure.
Does this mean Tony, that referees and touch judges can swear at you every time you knock on, miss a tackle or throw a forward pass? I don’t think you would appreciate their comments, and nor should you. It comes down to respecting your fellow human being. You may not agree with a blatantly wrong decision, and by all means get upset. But there is no need to abuse an official who believes that they have made correct call, as it is never going to change their decision.
Canberra Raiders
FORM:
The Raiders won yet another golden point game on Sunday, and bizarrely they again beat the Wests Tigers. It was the Raiders 3rd extra time this season, something which stands them in good stead, come sudden death semi-final football in September. Canberra coach Matt Elliott has instilled in his young charges a ‘never say die’ attitude, and this is why the Canberra team is the surprise packet of the competition. The Raiders possess a forward pack of tireless workers, and are one of the best communicating defensive units in the league. The Raiders may not possess the individual brilliance of sides like Brisbane, Canterbury and Parramatta, but they make up for this in playing to their strengths.
FORM PLAYER:
Todd Carney – in a team that lacks a star, headline playmaker, Carney exemplifies the spirit in the Canberra Raiders unit. This halfback does all the percentage plays right – while he was heavily criticised for being offside by every media outlet in Australia late in the Tigers game, it has now been proven that he actually was onside. He timed his run out of the defensive line perfectly, putting pressure on Scott Prince, whom ultimately missed a winning field goal shot. It is these percentage plays that Carney and his team mates keep coming up with, and that is why they will be challenging come September.
NEWS STORY:
Not much happening with the Raiders this week as they head into the bye, but the good news for you Canberra fans is that they will still be in 8th place heading into their Round 25 game against the Storm.
Cronulla Sharks
FORM:
Cronulla are one of those sides that have suffered a dramatic drop in form over the past 2 months, but unlike other teams, they cannot blame injury for their troubles. Only Greg Bird and Ben Ross are the noticeable absentees for the Sharks, who possess a backline that some other teams would kill for. With a team that has Dykes, Kimmorley, Vagana, Kearney, Albert, Villasanti, Thompson and Gallen at their disposal, there can be no excuses for their current woes. A lot of experts are blaming the Dykes / Kimmorley halves pairing for their lack of form, but Coach Stuart Raper needs to shoulder some responsibility. Nigel Vagana is not a fullback, and if you are going to bring him off the bench, then put him in his customary centre position, and move Bailey to the backrow.
FORM PLAYER:
In a team full of under performing stars, junior forwards Stosic and Kingston are the shining lights. Stosic just keeps producing quality hit ups each week, while Kingston provides quick service out of dummy half for the likes of Kimmorley and Dykes.
One player who seems to be continuously frustrated, and thus sadly out of form is Brett Kimmorley. The nuggetty number 7seems to be lacking confidence in his abilities, as was evident in his frustration late in the second half against the Eels. Throwing a few loose passes, and showing his contempt at team mate Luke Douglas for giving away a shepherd penalty in the dying minutes of the game, it was evident that Kimmorley needs a break.
NEWS STORY:
Take your pick – when will the Sharks next win happen, or is the Dykes / Kimmorley halves experiment past its use by date?
The Sharks face fellow semi-final aspirants the Panthers, Dragons and Raiders over the next 3 rounds, and on current form, it is quite conceivable that they could lose all 3.
Does Coach Raper need to drop Kimmorley to the bench and stick with a Dykes / Kearney or Vagana / Dykes half combination?
Whatever happens, something needs to change, or it will be early holidays for the Sutherland Shire team.
Manly Sea-Eagles
FORM:
The Sea-Eagles showed that they will be a danger side in this year’s semi-finals, as they inflicted a 16-14 defeat upon Newcastle last Friday night. It was no co-incidence that the return of Watmough, Menzies and Stewart saw the Manly side register an all important 2 points away from fortress Brookvale, and the Sea-Eagles are a real dark horse for this years premiership. Any side that contains the skill of Stewart, Bell, Matai, Hicks, Orford, Monaghan, Menzies and Kennedy deserves respect cum September.
FORM PLAYER:
No real stand outs here, just a team working hard together as a unit. For the Manly side to remain in the top 4 come September, than it is essential that they win and win well against the Rabbitohs this weekend. With games against the Bulldogs and the Storm in the last 2 rounds, it is imperative that they do not drop this danger against the resurgent Rabbitohs. As long as Burns and Orford can provide centres Bell and Matai with quality ball in space, than there is a great chance that Matt Orford will get a lot of goal kicking practise this Sunday.
NEWS STORY:
The loss of inspirational Ben Kennedy to a quadriceps injury over the next fortnight, will have a big bearing on where the ‘Eagles finish in the semis. While they may not miss his contributions this week, his rugged defence and fearless charges will be sorely missed against the Bulldogs and the Storm.
This is where the likes of Anthony Watmough and Brent Kite need to step up and fill the void. Both need to replicate their early season representative form if the ‘Eagles are to compete against the top 2 forward packs of the competition. A top 4 position is imperative with the closeness of this seasons title race, as the home ground advantage and second chance in week 2 could mean the difference between glory and heartbreak.
See you tomorrow with analysis of the Storm, Warriors, Cowboys, Knights and Eels.
Cheers,
StephenP.
Each analysis will consist of your teams form, spotlight on form player and focus on your clubs lead news story of the week.
Brisbane Broncos
FORM:
The Broncos showed signs that they were coming back into form last weekend against the Melbourne Storm, but unfortunately are still not concentrating for the full 80 minutes. After racing to an early 10-0 lead, the Broncos were dominating the ruck area and field position, but continually came up with a poor end to their sets of six.
Whilst Shane Perry tried his best at halfback, the Broncos desperately need to identify an alternative halfback who possesses a good short kicking game to relieve some pressure off skipper, Darren Lockyer. Maybe the return of incumbent Test fullback Karmichael Hunt could be an option, as his electrifying pace and footwork, coupled with his solid defence, could provide the Broncos with the attacking halves combination they have been lacking thus far.
FORM PLAYER:
While most of the Broncos big guns stepped up against the Storm, it was the shift to fullback for representative centre Justin Hodges that sparked the Broncos to life. Renowned for his robust defence, Hodges was able to pick and choose when to choose to inject himself in attack, and played a key role in the Broncos 2 tries. Also the fact that Hodges can get his hands on the football a lot more at the back is another major plus for the Brisbane side.
NEWS FEATURE:
No great news stories’ emitting from the Broncos this week, but it was great to see the Brisbane forward pack stand up and be noticed against the Storm. Petero Civonciceva and Shane Webcke kept going forward all day, with Tonie Carroll pulling off some of his trademark rattling defensive hits, while Shaun Berrigan was solid and mistake free at hooker.
However, the Broncos forwards need to lift again this week as they take on the best forward pack in the competition – the Canterbury Bulldogs. What an awesome contest this promises to be – Webcke, Civoniceva, Thorn, Carroll, Thaiday and Parker, to take on the might of O’Meley, Asotasi, Mason, Myles, Ryan, Maitua and Sonny Bill.
Canterbury Bulldogs
FORM:
The Bulldogs notched up their 7th win in succession against the Dragons on Sunday, but haven’t really needed to extend themselves thus far. They are not playing poorly by any stretch of the imagination, but one can sense that cum September the Belmore boys are going to lift another notch. Any team that can afford to have Sonny Bill and Nate Myles sitting on the bench, are always going to be a danger, hence why the bookmakers have listed them as premiership favourites.
FORM PLAYER:
As most of the ‘Dogs are in reasonable form, it is hard to single any one player out. But one player who must be awarded praise is rampaging second rower, Willie Mason. The big guy has matured and taken his game to another level this year, and is definitely trying to clean up his bad boy public image.
A feature of Mason’s play this season has been his maturity in handling poor refereeing decisions. A few times this season, Willie has been penalised for dubious high shots, but while showing that he doesn’t agree with the decision, he has just put his mouthguard back in his mouth, and ran back into the defensive line. Even when either he or a team mate has had a blatantly wrong call go against them, he has just shut his mouth and got on with the game. Good on you Willie, for showing the maturity to accept the official’s decision, something which a certain other representative player must learn to do!
NEWS FEATURE:
Veteran Lock Tony Grimaldi commented on Monday that players should have the right to swear at referees and touch judges. Grimaldi was apparently defending the furore surrounding Andrew Johns’ colourful description of touch judge Matt Cecchin, by declaring that if an official makes a blatantly wrong call, than a player should be allowed to swear and show their displeasure.
Does this mean Tony, that referees and touch judges can swear at you every time you knock on, miss a tackle or throw a forward pass? I don’t think you would appreciate their comments, and nor should you. It comes down to respecting your fellow human being. You may not agree with a blatantly wrong decision, and by all means get upset. But there is no need to abuse an official who believes that they have made correct call, as it is never going to change their decision.
Canberra Raiders
FORM:
The Raiders won yet another golden point game on Sunday, and bizarrely they again beat the Wests Tigers. It was the Raiders 3rd extra time this season, something which stands them in good stead, come sudden death semi-final football in September. Canberra coach Matt Elliott has instilled in his young charges a ‘never say die’ attitude, and this is why the Canberra team is the surprise packet of the competition. The Raiders possess a forward pack of tireless workers, and are one of the best communicating defensive units in the league. The Raiders may not possess the individual brilliance of sides like Brisbane, Canterbury and Parramatta, but they make up for this in playing to their strengths.
FORM PLAYER:
Todd Carney – in a team that lacks a star, headline playmaker, Carney exemplifies the spirit in the Canberra Raiders unit. This halfback does all the percentage plays right – while he was heavily criticised for being offside by every media outlet in Australia late in the Tigers game, it has now been proven that he actually was onside. He timed his run out of the defensive line perfectly, putting pressure on Scott Prince, whom ultimately missed a winning field goal shot. It is these percentage plays that Carney and his team mates keep coming up with, and that is why they will be challenging come September.
NEWS STORY:
Not much happening with the Raiders this week as they head into the bye, but the good news for you Canberra fans is that they will still be in 8th place heading into their Round 25 game against the Storm.
Cronulla Sharks
FORM:
Cronulla are one of those sides that have suffered a dramatic drop in form over the past 2 months, but unlike other teams, they cannot blame injury for their troubles. Only Greg Bird and Ben Ross are the noticeable absentees for the Sharks, who possess a backline that some other teams would kill for. With a team that has Dykes, Kimmorley, Vagana, Kearney, Albert, Villasanti, Thompson and Gallen at their disposal, there can be no excuses for their current woes. A lot of experts are blaming the Dykes / Kimmorley halves pairing for their lack of form, but Coach Stuart Raper needs to shoulder some responsibility. Nigel Vagana is not a fullback, and if you are going to bring him off the bench, then put him in his customary centre position, and move Bailey to the backrow.
FORM PLAYER:
In a team full of under performing stars, junior forwards Stosic and Kingston are the shining lights. Stosic just keeps producing quality hit ups each week, while Kingston provides quick service out of dummy half for the likes of Kimmorley and Dykes.
One player who seems to be continuously frustrated, and thus sadly out of form is Brett Kimmorley. The nuggetty number 7seems to be lacking confidence in his abilities, as was evident in his frustration late in the second half against the Eels. Throwing a few loose passes, and showing his contempt at team mate Luke Douglas for giving away a shepherd penalty in the dying minutes of the game, it was evident that Kimmorley needs a break.
NEWS STORY:
Take your pick – when will the Sharks next win happen, or is the Dykes / Kimmorley halves experiment past its use by date?
The Sharks face fellow semi-final aspirants the Panthers, Dragons and Raiders over the next 3 rounds, and on current form, it is quite conceivable that they could lose all 3.
Does Coach Raper need to drop Kimmorley to the bench and stick with a Dykes / Kearney or Vagana / Dykes half combination?
Whatever happens, something needs to change, or it will be early holidays for the Sutherland Shire team.
Manly Sea-Eagles
FORM:
The Sea-Eagles showed that they will be a danger side in this year’s semi-finals, as they inflicted a 16-14 defeat upon Newcastle last Friday night. It was no co-incidence that the return of Watmough, Menzies and Stewart saw the Manly side register an all important 2 points away from fortress Brookvale, and the Sea-Eagles are a real dark horse for this years premiership. Any side that contains the skill of Stewart, Bell, Matai, Hicks, Orford, Monaghan, Menzies and Kennedy deserves respect cum September.
FORM PLAYER:
No real stand outs here, just a team working hard together as a unit. For the Manly side to remain in the top 4 come September, than it is essential that they win and win well against the Rabbitohs this weekend. With games against the Bulldogs and the Storm in the last 2 rounds, it is imperative that they do not drop this danger against the resurgent Rabbitohs. As long as Burns and Orford can provide centres Bell and Matai with quality ball in space, than there is a great chance that Matt Orford will get a lot of goal kicking practise this Sunday.
NEWS STORY:
The loss of inspirational Ben Kennedy to a quadriceps injury over the next fortnight, will have a big bearing on where the ‘Eagles finish in the semis. While they may not miss his contributions this week, his rugged defence and fearless charges will be sorely missed against the Bulldogs and the Storm.
This is where the likes of Anthony Watmough and Brent Kite need to step up and fill the void. Both need to replicate their early season representative form if the ‘Eagles are to compete against the top 2 forward packs of the competition. A top 4 position is imperative with the closeness of this seasons title race, as the home ground advantage and second chance in week 2 could mean the difference between glory and heartbreak.
See you tomorrow with analysis of the Storm, Warriors, Cowboys, Knights and Eels.
Cheers,
StephenP.
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