The Sharks need to show some teeth

One has to wonder if the supporters have been getting true value for money when they’ve purchased their admission ticket to Toyota Park this season.

This is not an observation intended to chastise the Sharks for running last in the competition, rather it is an impassioned plea to Ricky Stuart and the club trainers to think outside the square a little and exercise a greater level of creativity.

I’ve watched an elderly woman knit a cardigan with a greater level of excitement than the way the Sharks have played this year. The lack of versatility in the playing style has left many wondering if Stuart needs to overhaul his entire approach to coaching.

In previous seasons, the Sharks have always struggled with putting points on the board. However, they were able to compensate their lack of attacking flair with steel wall defence.

Sadly, the Sharks have leaked their fair share of points this year, leaving them in a dire predicament.

The loss of key attacking weapons Brett Kimmorley and Isaac de Gois have left a sizable hole in Cronulla’s ranks, and the no frills, slow and steady play of winger Luke Covell just isn’t cutting the mustard.

It would be appreciated if the Sharks could head out onto the park next weekend and prioritise scoring some points over completion rates.

If they do this, they may be able to shake the reputation of looking like a bunch of befuddled octogenarians confused about what to do with the oval shaped ball.

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Boo Cheers

Brendo said | April 29th 2009 @ 4:35pm | Report comment

Roosters have a similar problem so this weekend it might be a low scoring affair – both teams shore up their defense; a high scoring affair – both teams forgot about defense in an all out attacking frenzy… but most likely neither of the above. My prediction is a 12 – 12 draw.

Choppy said | April 29th 2009 @ 5:03pm | Report comment

This might be a game I actually cheer for the Roosters !!!!!

Being an Eels supporter I don’t want to see the Sharks winning a game or two because the Eels will end up last!

Crosscoder said | May 3rd 2009 @ 12:47pm | Report comment

Starting point for Shark’s woes.
Losing their no1 fullback Kearney in the first game of the season.Losing prop Ben Ross for the best part of the season.Having their best 2nd rowerGallen off the field more than he is on,due to on field incidents and the time off. Losing Barrett for a couple of matches due to injury,and trying to ply last night whilst still carrying a back injury.
Losing one of their best forwards Bird due to his off field act of stupidity.
Toupou not playing up to scratch ditto Matua.
Not buying at least one or two backs with genuine pace.Covell is a good all round footballer,but as a winger speedwise,he is as slow as an obese wombat.
To be a Shark’s supporter ATM,is like suffering the death of a thousand cuts,and less exciting.

firey said | May 5th 2009 @ 11:00am | Report comment

totally agree,but the buck stops with the coach,the same coach who did not give jamie soward a fair go. oops look at him now! sorry roosters.

tom freeman said | May 5th 2009 @ 1:25pm | Report comment

I’d agree with that, I think this year and in fact every year the competition gets a little tighter. I think it’s time we had another look at (and yes I know it’s not a popular subject) the salary cap. Rugby League is in a lot of trouble. We have the emergance of IPL, a stronger AFL, and a truly international Rugby Union all fighting for space in an increasingly “global” market. Really the only answer is to try to create the best, most exiting and “marketable” game possible. When the two grand finalists are near the bottom of the ladder it bears consideration. Some would say a form slump is to blame and they could be right but consider the english premier league. Arsenal and Manchester United are never in danger of relegation. Some say it makes the game predictable, but does that really hurt the game? I have heard people in Aussie pubs go on and on about how much these guys get paid per game, I rarely hear them talk about the quality of football their playing.