Cronulla Sharks player Luke Covell isn’t your mainstream winger – he lacks the speed and agility of most modern day try scorers. But he is still the most important winger in the NRL.
Despite labeling himself “the slowest winger in the rugby league”, Covell has outrun every player in the competition to finish as the NRL’s leading point scorer this season.
Covell has topped the point scoring charts for the first time in his career, finishing with 196 points (14 tries and 70 goals) – which is 26 points more than second placed Luke Burt from the Parramatta Eels.
Although not blessed with the speed and agility of usual backline players, Covell has had an outstanding year and could possibly find himself sitting on a Dally M throne.
The 98 kilogram player has paved the way for the Sharks successes this season, with his accurate goal kicking being his greatest weapon.
What sets Covell apart from most wingers though is his ability to roll up his sleeves, knowing his barriers, and then breaking through them.
Sharks coach Ricky Stuart was very satisfied with Covell’s performance against the hapless Cowboys last Saturday night.
He set up two tries off his own boot to hand Cronulla the two competition points.
Covell has become the epitome of a Sharks side who are constantly working for each other, despite the limitations in their attack and their player roster as a whole.
His ability in the air is unparalleled, while his finishing capabilities have exceeded expectation.
No doubt the Wests Tigers will regret tearing up his contract at the end of 2004.
And no doubt Covell will continue exceeding expectation, as the Sharks themselves have done all year.
sledgeross
Guest
And considering that Covells goal kicking has been mediocre this year, its testament to his hard work that he is the leading points scorer. Hes the kind of bloke that will miss one from in front, but nails them from the sideline.
Alan Nicolea
Guest
Oikee Covell has developed into a fine player no doubt. His tussle with Joel Monaghan of the Canberra Raiders should be intrigiuing on Saturday at Toyota stadium. That battle could well decide who ends up with the victory between Cronulla and Canberra.
oikee
Guest
Maybe we should tell all the players they are slow and useless, then we really might see something special. He has really been a shining light in that team, and i dont like cronulla but i have admired luke for his extra special efforts. Good luck to him. Be interesting to see how they handle the top 4 , once we see that will tell us if they can make the final. I just wont right any one off until the fat lady has sung. Surprised it took so long for them to resign him, he is there main point scorer, imagine the dogs without Hasem at the moment. Covel won them so many games this season with his boot.
Alan Nicolea
Guest
What do you mean by glamour?
LeftArmSpinner
Guest
I tell my boys every time, the first guy picked is the goal kicker! The big games also call for safe hands and a clear head. glamour is out for the finals!!!!