Why all the pieces now Fitz for Sharks to shed flat-track bullies reputation and show they’re the real deal
There is only one way for Cronulla to shake off their reputation for being flat-track bullies. They are off to an impressive start in…
Manly coach Geoff Toovey admits Johnathan Thurston’s lack of form is a concern to his side, with the North Queensland superstar still waiting to fire in 2014.
The 2013 Golden Boot winner, who was named as the Rugby League World Cup’s player of the tournament, has only tasted victory twice this season and struggled in last Saturday’s loss to the Wests Tigers where even his usually flawless goalkicking was off radar.
However, Toovey knows the Queensland five-eighth is rarely out of touch for long and said Friday’s clash with the Cowboys in Gosford could be where he finds rediscovers his form.
“It does worry me a little bit, great players always bounce back from quiet performances when the team isn’t going great,” Toovey said.
“We’re expecting a big one from all their key players.”
Manly bounced back from a big defeat by the Wests Tigers in round five with a comfortable 24-4 win over struggling Cronulla.
The Sea Eagles had the game won by halftime, storming to a 20-0 lead, but the second period won’t make any highlight reels with both sides combining for 26 errors in a 40 minutes to forget.
Toovey said if his side produce a repeat performance on Friday the Cowboys have the players to do what Cronulla couldn’t.
“We need to get on a roll, again it’s a matter of ball control and possession,” he said.
“If we don’t hold the ball we’re in a lot of trouble. We were much improved in the first half, but the second was poor.
“We were fortunate Cronulla were off their game as well but the Cowboys, especially in Thurston, have the players that can really hurt us.”
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