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Matty Johns reveals his smoky for top four, Addo-Carr backs Dogs to go from spoon to finals

15th February, 2022
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15th February, 2022
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Matty Johns has backed the Cronulla Sharks to break into the top four of the NRL under new coach Craig Fitzgibbon, with the former Knights star saying that the new leadership in the Shire could give them the edge in 2022.

Speaking at the Fox League season launch at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Johns acknowledged that it would be a tough ask, but tipped the Sharkies as most likely to elbow their way in.

“It is really hard at the moment to break into that top four or five sides, I think the side that I look at that has the best opportunity is I think Cronulla,” he said.

“Fitzy is a rookie coach and I suppose he doesn’t really know what sort of coach he is until you lose three in a row and have to get out of it, but he has the right temperament, I like their roster.

“They have had some good signings and I think they will have natural improvement as you do under a new coach.

“They’re my smoky to break into the four, I don’t see them winning the competition but I see them being a threat to a team like Souths.

Craig Fitzgibbon

Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Everything I know about Fitzy as far as temperament, tactical nous, combined with the quality of players they’re brought in, leadership from Finucane, Nicho has a lot of class, Wade Graham is back.

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“They’ve got a good mix of veterans and young blokes on the up and up. I think they’re headed for a really good three or four years.”

Johns added that the Panthers, Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs were all set to be up there, but tipped the Bunnies as most likely to drop out.

“It goes without saying the Roosters, what they showed last year without so many players, they are going to go close.

“The Panthers it will be difficult, it is tough because it is hard to go back-to-back and there is a reason for that.

“Every time they play a side they are going to going to be playing a side at their best because they are going to want to beat the premiers and that can take a toll on you.

“And look, the Melbourne Storm over the last 15 years have been eulogised about five or six times but they are always up there, they will be at least top four.

“And finally the Rabbitohs, it is a really intriguing one, big challenge for Jason Demetriou… Big challenge for him because you know he is following Wayne (Bennett) in and usually when Wayne leaves a side just goes boom.

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“For whatever reason, Wayne just takes the magic with him.”

Speaking at the same Fox League event, Josh Addo-Carr backed his new club, the Bulldogs, to reverse the fortunes that saw them finish last in 2021 to make the top eight in 2022.

He called out the influence of Phil Gould, telling media that Gus was already setting new standards at the club.

“He just wants the best for the team and always asks what we can do for the boys and for the club, seeing how we can make training better and everyone’s job easier,” he said.

“He’s really intimidating, to be honest. He’s just got that aura about him. Moving to the club, I’ve really got to know him and it’s been awesome.”

Addo-Carr has moved into a leadership role at Belmore, and said that the Bulldogs were “real” about making the Finals this year.

“You’re only as good as your team, so if I can help my teammates be successful then it’s going to go a long way to winning games,” he said.

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“I understand the game well and (enjoy) helping my teammates be the very best they can.

“It was a shock to the system moving to a different club. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but they’re a good bunch of boys and they’re willing to work hard.”

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