Oracle of Delphi
Arnold
Craig HillNRL Club Analysis
August 22nd 2006 04:13
Brisbane Broncos-
FORM:
While the Broncos demolished the premiership favourites Canterbury at Telstra Stadium last Friday night, it was probably not as convincing as a lot of Broncos fans may think. Yes, they did record a six try to nil rout of a team that many thought would take out this years title, but it must be remembered that the Bulldogs lost the form front rower of the competition, Roy Asotasi, after 15 minutes, representative centre Willie Tonga and Queensland Origin forward Nate Myles 10 minutes later, whilst losing kiwi whiz kid and super sub, Sonny Bill Williams just before kick-off. So in effect, the Broncos only beat a 14 and a half man Canterbury outfit, who were incapable of interchanging fresh representative forwards, unlike their Brisbane counterparts.
With that being said, the Broncos could only play the team in front of them, and their defensive unit should be given a rap for keeping the former premiership favourites scoreless. It was great to see Shane Perry take some playmaking pressure off skipper Darren Lockyer for a change, and it will be interesting to see what Coach Wayne Bennett will do this week, if incumbent Test fullback Karmichael Hunt is available for selection. The form of Justin Hodges at fullback has been outstanding over the past couple of weeks, with Hodges able to inject himself into the backline at will. Will Coach Bennett keep Hodges at fullback this week, and utilise Hunt as an impact player off the bench against the white hot Parramatta Eels this Sunday?
FORM PLAYER:
While Hodges and Lockyer have been getting all the attention over the past few rounds, the efforts of fill in hooker Shaun Berrigan have not gone unnoticed. Hooker is one of the toughest, most physically demanding positions on a football field to play, and former centre Berrigan has filled in at that role with aplomb. Berrigans blinding pace out of dummy half was the factors in his first half try against the Bulldogs, when he darted sideways across field only to straighten up and dive between some tired, lazy Canterbury defence, to put the visitors up by 12-0. Berrigan could very well be the danger player for the Broncos as they head into the semi-finals, as defensive lines will no doubt be trying to rush up and place pressure on Lockyer and Perry, enabling Berrigan to make some line breaks out of the ruck area.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – nil
Re-signings – Karmichael Hunt, David Stagg, Ian Lacey, Ben Hannant and Michael Ennis.
Losses – Casey McGuire (Les Catalans Dragons), Leon Bott and Fraser Anderson (Sharks), Shane Webcke (Retired), Neville Costigan and Brett Seymour (Released).
Canterbury Bulldogs-
FORM:
Heading into Friday nights match against the Broncos, the Bulldogs had won their past six games and honestly have not really had to extend themselves in any of those games. What must be pleasing for Coach Steve Folkes is that whilst they have beaten the Dragons twice, the Warriors and completed thrashings of the Cowboys and Tigers over that period, it seems that the Bulldogs have never really got out of second gear in those games. It remains to be seen what kind of influence the loss of Roy Asotasi and Willie Tonga will have on the premiership favourites, and where Coach Folkes will play whiz kid Sony Bill for the remainder of the season. We think that Reni Maitua should go to the centres to cover Tonga, promote Dallas McIlwain to lock and keep Sonny Bill as an impact player on the bench.
FORM PLAYER:
In his first game back from suspension, nuggetty winger Matt Utai was a constant headache for the Broncos defence last Friday night. Utai created many chances with his bullocking runs in his return match, with a 60 metre dart out of dummy half during the first half being the highlight. Utai showed Broncos Coach Wayne Bennett that he still has defensive issues to work on, as the kiwi winger ran straight through the middle of two tiring Broncos forwards and than outpaced the cover defence, only to be brought down magnificently by a ball and all tackle by Broncos fullback, Justin Hodges. Manly winger Michael Robertson better be on his game this Friday night, as Utai will no doubt try to run over him, in the Manly versus Canterbury battle at Brookvale.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Daryl Millard, Lee Te Maari, Aaron Wheatley and Ryan Millard (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Kane Cleal (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Brent Crisp (Canberra Raiders)
Re-Signings – Reni Maitua, Jarred Hickey, Chris Armit, Luke Patten, Willie Tonga, Andrew Emelio, Dallas McIlwain, Brad Morrin, Tony Grimaldi
Losses – Daniel Irvine and Roy Asotasi, (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters) and Daniel Conn (Gold Coast Titans)
Canberra Raiders-
FORM:
Having enjoyed the weeks rest courtesy of the bye last round, the Canberra Raiders will be pumped up to secure their place in the top eight this week, when they take on competition leaders, the Melbourne Storm. Leading into the bye, the Green Machine had indifferent form, losing to a rejuvenated Souths, beating a then out of form Broncos and surviving their fourth golden point win of the season against the Tigers, in what was a scrappy display. They will have to be on their game this week against the Storm, who lost their first game in eleven starts last week against a rampant Warriors outfit.
FORM PLAYER:
While most of the accolades go to star players Clinton Schifcofske, Todd Carney and Simon Woolford, the main man for the Raiders this year has been tireless forward, Alan Tongue. Tongue is the NRL’s leading top tackler for the year, having completed a massive 945 tackles from 22 matches thus far – a huge 91 tackles ahead of his closest rival, Parramatta’s Nathan Hindmarsh. That’s an average of 43 tackles a match, which is a massive nine tackles a match up on both Tongue and Hindmarsh’ average for the whole of 2005.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Colin Best (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Andrew Dunnemann (Salford City Reds), Scott Logan and Michael Dobson (Wigan Warriors), Tony Pamatangi (Parramatta Eels), Steve Irwin (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls), Glen Turner (Melbourne Storm), Brett Kelly (Cronulla Sharks)
Re-Signings – Troy Thompson, Marshall Chalk, Junior Sau, Phil Graham, Bronx Goodwin, William Zillman, Terry Campese
Losses – Jason Croker and Adam Mogg (Les Catalans Dragons), Clinton Schifcofske (QLD Reds Rugby Union), Jason Smith (NQ Cowboys), Simon Woolford (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Michael Hodgson (Gold Coast Titans), Brent Crisp (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Cronulla Sharks-
FORM:
After Saturday night’s demoralising eighth loss in a row, the Cronulla Sharks faithful would sarcastically say what form. How the Sharks squandered a 20 point lead with 20 minutes remaining will be one of the main questions that Coach Stuart Raper will be asking his troops over the off season, with the last minute loss to the Panthers signalling the end of their 2006 NRL campaign. The burning question of what to do with the current Cronulla halves combination will provoke all kinds of arguments throughout the summer months in the Sutherland shire, as Cronulla will once again have to formulate a plan during the off season, so as to bring the NRL trophy to Shark territory for the first time next season.
FORM PLAYER:
Playing for a new NRL club for the first time in his career, Sharks forward Lance Thompson has been a shining light in what has been a fairly mediocre 2006 season for the Sharks. Having played in 19 games this year, Thompson has paved the way for his young forward team-mates, and tops the Cronulla lists for most hit ups and most tackles this year. The inspirational red head has found a new lease of life in the Shire, and was rewarded this year with a new 3 year deal that sees him a Shark until 2009.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Leon Bott and Fraser Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), Josh Hannay (NQ Cowboys), Misi Taulapapa (NZ Warriors), Paul Stephenson (Manly Sea-Eagles), Michael Greenfield (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Re-Signings – Lance Thompson, Greg Bird and Luke Douglas
Losses – Beau Scott and Tony Caine (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Tevita Latu (released), Nigel Vagana (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Phil Bailey (Wigan Warriors), Danny Nutley (Sydney Roosters), Russell Aitken (Melbourne Storm), James Stosic (Gold Coast Titans), Brett Kelly (Canberra Raiders)
Manly Sea-Eagles –
FORM:
Probably regarded as the dark horse of this year’s premiership, the Manly club have been quietly going about their business, creeping into third position on the ladder. With a forward pack to rival the Bulldogs pack in size and experience, and with them possessing the skilful halves combination that a team needs to win the premiership, the Manly Sea-Eagles are quietly confident of improving on their week one departure in season 2005’s semi-finals. While they have disposed of the Rabbitohs and Knights since their Round 22 bye, their performance over the next two matches against Canterbury and Melbourne, should provide them with a gauge of how their season will fair.
FORM PLAYER:
Fullback Brett Stewart possesses an amazing try scoring record at Brookvale Oval (31 tries in 28 games), and last week’s hat trick of tries against the Bunnies showcased a dazzling array of pace and skill. Stewart was unlucky not to have scored four tries last Sunday, after he spilt a Matt Orford kick with the line wide open early in the first half. Stewart is renowned for his blinding speed, and it is no coincidence that Manly lost a handful of games earlier in the year, whilst Stewart was out with injury. He really is the complete package for a fullback, as he his more than safe under the high ball, defensively sound, amazing speed and ability to sniff out a try almost freakish.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Jamie Lyon (St Helens)
Re-Signings – Steve Menzies, Travis Burns and Mark Bryant
Losses – Ben Kennedy (retiring), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds Rhinos), Michael Witt (NZ Warriors), Paul Stephenson (Cronulla Sharks
See you tomorrow with analysis of the Storm, Warriors, Cowboys, Knights and Eels.
Cheers,
StephenP.
While the Broncos demolished the premiership favourites Canterbury at Telstra Stadium last Friday night, it was probably not as convincing as a lot of Broncos fans may think. Yes, they did record a six try to nil rout of a team that many thought would take out this years title, but it must be remembered that the Bulldogs lost the form front rower of the competition, Roy Asotasi, after 15 minutes, representative centre Willie Tonga and Queensland Origin forward Nate Myles 10 minutes later, whilst losing kiwi whiz kid and super sub, Sonny Bill Williams just before kick-off. So in effect, the Broncos only beat a 14 and a half man Canterbury outfit, who were incapable of interchanging fresh representative forwards, unlike their Brisbane counterparts.
With that being said, the Broncos could only play the team in front of them, and their defensive unit should be given a rap for keeping the former premiership favourites scoreless. It was great to see Shane Perry take some playmaking pressure off skipper Darren Lockyer for a change, and it will be interesting to see what Coach Wayne Bennett will do this week, if incumbent Test fullback Karmichael Hunt is available for selection. The form of Justin Hodges at fullback has been outstanding over the past couple of weeks, with Hodges able to inject himself into the backline at will. Will Coach Bennett keep Hodges at fullback this week, and utilise Hunt as an impact player off the bench against the white hot Parramatta Eels this Sunday?
FORM PLAYER:
While Hodges and Lockyer have been getting all the attention over the past few rounds, the efforts of fill in hooker Shaun Berrigan have not gone unnoticed. Hooker is one of the toughest, most physically demanding positions on a football field to play, and former centre Berrigan has filled in at that role with aplomb. Berrigans blinding pace out of dummy half was the factors in his first half try against the Bulldogs, when he darted sideways across field only to straighten up and dive between some tired, lazy Canterbury defence, to put the visitors up by 12-0. Berrigan could very well be the danger player for the Broncos as they head into the semi-finals, as defensive lines will no doubt be trying to rush up and place pressure on Lockyer and Perry, enabling Berrigan to make some line breaks out of the ruck area.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – nil
Re-signings – Karmichael Hunt, David Stagg, Ian Lacey, Ben Hannant and Michael Ennis.
Losses – Casey McGuire (Les Catalans Dragons), Leon Bott and Fraser Anderson (Sharks), Shane Webcke (Retired), Neville Costigan and Brett Seymour (Released).
Canterbury Bulldogs-
Heading into Friday nights match against the Broncos, the Bulldogs had won their past six games and honestly have not really had to extend themselves in any of those games. What must be pleasing for Coach Steve Folkes is that whilst they have beaten the Dragons twice, the Warriors and completed thrashings of the Cowboys and Tigers over that period, it seems that the Bulldogs have never really got out of second gear in those games. It remains to be seen what kind of influence the loss of Roy Asotasi and Willie Tonga will have on the premiership favourites, and where Coach Folkes will play whiz kid Sony Bill for the remainder of the season. We think that Reni Maitua should go to the centres to cover Tonga, promote Dallas McIlwain to lock and keep Sonny Bill as an impact player on the bench.
FORM PLAYER:
In his first game back from suspension, nuggetty winger Matt Utai was a constant headache for the Broncos defence last Friday night. Utai created many chances with his bullocking runs in his return match, with a 60 metre dart out of dummy half during the first half being the highlight. Utai showed Broncos Coach Wayne Bennett that he still has defensive issues to work on, as the kiwi winger ran straight through the middle of two tiring Broncos forwards and than outpaced the cover defence, only to be brought down magnificently by a ball and all tackle by Broncos fullback, Justin Hodges. Manly winger Michael Robertson better be on his game this Friday night, as Utai will no doubt try to run over him, in the Manly versus Canterbury battle at Brookvale.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Daryl Millard, Lee Te Maari, Aaron Wheatley and Ryan Millard (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Kane Cleal (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Brent Crisp (Canberra Raiders)
Re-Signings – Reni Maitua, Jarred Hickey, Chris Armit, Luke Patten, Willie Tonga, Andrew Emelio, Dallas McIlwain, Brad Morrin, Tony Grimaldi
Losses – Daniel Irvine and Roy Asotasi, (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters) and Daniel Conn (Gold Coast Titans)
Canberra Raiders-
Having enjoyed the weeks rest courtesy of the bye last round, the Canberra Raiders will be pumped up to secure their place in the top eight this week, when they take on competition leaders, the Melbourne Storm. Leading into the bye, the Green Machine had indifferent form, losing to a rejuvenated Souths, beating a then out of form Broncos and surviving their fourth golden point win of the season against the Tigers, in what was a scrappy display. They will have to be on their game this week against the Storm, who lost their first game in eleven starts last week against a rampant Warriors outfit.
FORM PLAYER:
While most of the accolades go to star players Clinton Schifcofske, Todd Carney and Simon Woolford, the main man for the Raiders this year has been tireless forward, Alan Tongue. Tongue is the NRL’s leading top tackler for the year, having completed a massive 945 tackles from 22 matches thus far – a huge 91 tackles ahead of his closest rival, Parramatta’s Nathan Hindmarsh. That’s an average of 43 tackles a match, which is a massive nine tackles a match up on both Tongue and Hindmarsh’ average for the whole of 2005.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Colin Best (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Andrew Dunnemann (Salford City Reds), Scott Logan and Michael Dobson (Wigan Warriors), Tony Pamatangi (Parramatta Eels), Steve Irwin (Wynnum-Manly Seagulls), Glen Turner (Melbourne Storm), Brett Kelly (Cronulla Sharks)
Re-Signings – Troy Thompson, Marshall Chalk, Junior Sau, Phil Graham, Bronx Goodwin, William Zillman, Terry Campese
Losses – Jason Croker and Adam Mogg (Les Catalans Dragons), Clinton Schifcofske (QLD Reds Rugby Union), Jason Smith (NQ Cowboys), Simon Woolford (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Michael Hodgson (Gold Coast Titans), Brent Crisp (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Cronulla Sharks-
After Saturday night’s demoralising eighth loss in a row, the Cronulla Sharks faithful would sarcastically say what form. How the Sharks squandered a 20 point lead with 20 minutes remaining will be one of the main questions that Coach Stuart Raper will be asking his troops over the off season, with the last minute loss to the Panthers signalling the end of their 2006 NRL campaign. The burning question of what to do with the current Cronulla halves combination will provoke all kinds of arguments throughout the summer months in the Sutherland shire, as Cronulla will once again have to formulate a plan during the off season, so as to bring the NRL trophy to Shark territory for the first time next season.
FORM PLAYER:
Playing for a new NRL club for the first time in his career, Sharks forward Lance Thompson has been a shining light in what has been a fairly mediocre 2006 season for the Sharks. Having played in 19 games this year, Thompson has paved the way for his young forward team-mates, and tops the Cronulla lists for most hit ups and most tackles this year. The inspirational red head has found a new lease of life in the Shire, and was rewarded this year with a new 3 year deal that sees him a Shark until 2009.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Leon Bott and Fraser Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), Josh Hannay (NQ Cowboys), Misi Taulapapa (NZ Warriors), Paul Stephenson (Manly Sea-Eagles), Michael Greenfield (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Re-Signings – Lance Thompson, Greg Bird and Luke Douglas
Losses – Beau Scott and Tony Caine (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Tevita Latu (released), Nigel Vagana (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Phil Bailey (Wigan Warriors), Danny Nutley (Sydney Roosters), Russell Aitken (Melbourne Storm), James Stosic (Gold Coast Titans), Brett Kelly (Canberra Raiders)
Manly Sea-Eagles –
Probably regarded as the dark horse of this year’s premiership, the Manly club have been quietly going about their business, creeping into third position on the ladder. With a forward pack to rival the Bulldogs pack in size and experience, and with them possessing the skilful halves combination that a team needs to win the premiership, the Manly Sea-Eagles are quietly confident of improving on their week one departure in season 2005’s semi-finals. While they have disposed of the Rabbitohs and Knights since their Round 22 bye, their performance over the next two matches against Canterbury and Melbourne, should provide them with a gauge of how their season will fair.
FORM PLAYER:
Fullback Brett Stewart possesses an amazing try scoring record at Brookvale Oval (31 tries in 28 games), and last week’s hat trick of tries against the Bunnies showcased a dazzling array of pace and skill. Stewart was unlucky not to have scored four tries last Sunday, after he spilt a Matt Orford kick with the line wide open early in the first half. Stewart is renowned for his blinding speed, and it is no coincidence that Manly lost a handful of games earlier in the year, whilst Stewart was out with injury. He really is the complete package for a fullback, as he his more than safe under the high ball, defensively sound, amazing speed and ability to sniff out a try almost freakish.
2007 Gains, re-signings and losses-
Gains – Jamie Lyon (St Helens)
Re-Signings – Steve Menzies, Travis Burns and Mark Bryant
Losses – Ben Kennedy (retiring), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds Rhinos), Michael Witt (NZ Warriors), Paul Stephenson (Cronulla Sharks
See you tomorrow with analysis of the Storm, Warriors, Cowboys, Knights and Eels.
Cheers,
StephenP.
| 63 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Go to Craig Hill's home page by clicking here
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by StephenP
I have just spent an hour trying to locate the wherabouts of Leon Bott, and I keep coming to a dead end. I have contacted the Sharks and The Bulldogs (he was contracted to the Sharks for season 07, but the rumour was Bott was meant to have been picked up by the Dogs for the year).
I shall provid emore details as they come to hand - damn good question though!
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by StephenP
I tracked down some more information on Leon Bott's whereabouts.
According to the Sharks, Leon was released by them at the end of 2006, and was trialling with the Bulldogs, but apparently did not secure a contract on medical grounds.
I have contacted his agent to shed some more light on this matter - I will keep you posted.
Cheers,
StephenP
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by StephenP
Mystery solved - Bott has signed with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2008 season.
Here is a link to the story -
Leon Bott
I will get onto the Matt Utai contract tomorrow for you.
Cheers mate,
StephenP
Comment by Anonymous
And if Adam perry is going to leave who are the dogs looking at to replace him and any chance the dogs could get another front rower?
and on a personal note what nrl team u go for?
u probz know my team haha the bulldogs.
thanx mate
Comment by StephenP
I have forwarded an e-mail to the Bulldogs club today to endeavour to get a reponse on your issues raised, and I will keep you posted as to the outcome.
From my point of view, I beleive the 'Dogs should re-sign Hughes as he is their best option at hooker, but I beleive that this issue may well be far from sorted.
As for a backup hooking option if Perry leaves, I would like to see either Ben Roberts or Billy Ngawini played off the bench as an impact dummy half.
Even with the loss of 'Shrek' next year, Canterbury are still pretty well off in the prop ranks, with Folkes to choose from either Mason, Hickey, Kouparitsas, Cleal, Chris and Nathan Armit and Dallas McIlwain. They mat add another prop to their books over the coming months, but I could not speculate on who they would be targeting.
And lastly, I am an avid Eels and NSW supporter living on the Gold Coast!
Cheers mate, and I will keep you posted,
StephenP
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by StephenP
I just received a reply from the media team at the Bulldogs - here are their replies to you queries -
- Corey Hughes - "resigned yesterday"
- Adam Perry - "Younger players from lower grades and possibly another recruit will
replace Adam Perry. We have already signed 3 new props."
- Matt Utai - We don't release details about players earnings.
Hope that helps mate,
StephenP