Contenders or pretenders? Sharks, Roosters out to prove a point

Andrew Moore | 20/08/08 | 0

There’s a lot to like about some of the things said by Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley, who remains an influential player for the Sharks.

Despite a reduction in leg speed, he remains a very clever player with a terrific kicking game.

Now Kimmorley says Friday night’s game against the Sydney Roosters at Toyota Stadium is important for a number of reasons... apart from the obvious two competition points.

Kimmorley says the loser of the game will be seen as basically making up the numbers in the top four heading into the finals - indeed if the Roosters are beaten, they may still miss out on the top four.

The Sharks halfback says the winner will be taken seriously... the loser not so... and it’s hard to argue with that.

Let’s be truthful... how many of us truly believed that Cronulla would be sitting in third position on the table just three weeks out from the finals?

Certainly not me. I think they have been over achieving all year - and for my money, Ricky Stuart is the coach of the year - probably just in front of Canberra’s Neil Henry.

Basically because this bloke, like Henry, has been getting the very, very best out of his team.

Because he certainly doesn’t have the talent on his playing rosters to warrant a top four place in my book... yet they defend magnificently, and show amazing grit and determination.... with very limited speed and attack.

The Sydney Roosters started the season sensationally... often looking brutal... I think they lost a bit of their sting as far back as ANZAC Day when they were knocked over by a St.George-Illawarra team that had been really struggling up until that game.

They’ve lost four of their last six games - and frankly haven’t looked anything like a top four team -  so Brett Kimmorley is right.

Friday night’s game isn’t do or die when it comes to making the top four... but it just might be in the court of public opinion.

I think the Sharks have been over achieving all year - and for my money, Ricky Stuart is the coach of the year... Andrew Moore