Elimination Final - Chooks v Sharks

[Bates]

We need to start better. Ideally be in front at halftime which will make them elevate the risk level. This is where Hynes struggles and starts shifting early, pushing passes and is often in 2 minds.

Brailey needs to be nullified around the ruck. His runs are damaging and get the Sharks on the front foot.

[Big Dog]

The last time we played them they just penalised the crap out of us.

Im kinda hoping it being a final they might just let the two teams go at it.

Im not holding my breath, but itll be super infuriating if we dont receive some penaltys in return e.g running escorts on nawaquanitawase which you know for damn sure will happen as how will they stop our two air jordans otherwise?

Robbo better have a plan b ready.

I can see us not receiving a single penalty or set restart until after the 70th minute.

[bondi paul]

No Hugo but we had Chad in the July game against the Sharks when Turd Smith gave constant 6 agains to the Sharks and a late penalty awarded to put the result beyond his doubt. A stitch up. On paper the Sharks have a good defence record however other than the weird Parra game we haven’t leaked many points at all especially the second half. Easts to Win.

[Steakface]

Sharks do have a massive bench
I remember last time they got us in the forwards in particular bench

There are some very big lads on their bench.

But on the bright side, when you look at the stats they seem to have a very one sided remit - cart it up and make meters.

They don't offload or produce line assists like our bench guys can. Our lads are more agile & attacking.

Seems Fitzy's philosophy is big meter sets by hook or by crook, with everything else being secondary. He bought all those guys strategically (Tuku Hau Tapuha too).

He's probably scarred. From recollection Fitzy was our Captain back in the dark days when Danny Nutley (in his career twilight) was our premier prop. We didn't make much yardage back in those days, and didnt win many games either.

But being big, the odds of poor lateral movement, poor engines, and one-dimensional play increase.

[Vasco]

We got caned by set restarts last time we played them. Their hooker carved us up the middle as a result.

Our ball control was also woeful at times. If we complete around 75% and have 50% possession, we'll be very hard to beat.

[roosterchook]

To even make it in the finals with the loss of players we had is amazing and we’ve entered these finals in the best form of most teams. I don’t have anymore expectations of the boys except to have fun and congratulations on an awesome result for the year! If we continue our current form and cut down on errors we might progress further but I think we will get knocked out pretty early on.

[Teddy]

Cronulla has named a big team in the forwards, however AFB is the one to watch Kaufusi and Hamlin Uele are nothing special, I think we have to be tactical here, keep the ball in play for long periods move those big forwards around kick early and rely on our smaller bench to tire them out, our guys are fitter and we have the edge in the backs, Teddy Sammy and Watson to get their hands on the ball often look for gaps around the ruck and get quick play the balls.

Discipline is key as always as the Sharks showed last week they strangled Canterbury 43/46 sets completed and 54% possession those are really good numbers that’s how you win games, but a big negative 35 missed tackles from 322 attempts means they are prone getting tired and Brailey isn’t the best defender 41 tackles made 7 misses a good team on the front foot definitely.

Keep those big boppers chasing the ball.

[Carlos Parra]

There are some very big lads on their bench.

But on the bright side, when you look at the stats they seem to have a very one sided remit - cart it up and make meters.

They don't offload or produce line assists like our bench guys can. Our lads are more agile & attacking.

Seems Fitzy's philosophy is big meter sets by hook or by crook, with everything else being secondary. He bought all those guys strategically (Tuku Hau Tapuha too).

He's probably scarred. From recollection Fitzy was our Captain back in the dark days when Danny Nutley (in his career twilight) was our premier prop. We didn't make much yardage back in those days, and didnt win many games either.

But being big, the odds of poor lateral movement, poor engines, and one-dimensional play increase.

Bloody hell, I don't ever remember Nutley playing for Easts! Had to look it up to confirm.

[gragra]

No Hugo but we had Chad in the July game against the Sharks when Turd Smith gave constant 6 agains to the Sharks and a late penalty awarded to put the result beyond his doubt. A stitch up. On paper the Sharks have a good defence record however other than the weird Parra game we haven’t leaked many points at all especially the second half. Easts to Win.

Unfortunately we have Smith again refereeing and he is a pedantic penalty/6 again ref. Ruins the flow and doesn't seem to give us a decent run. The way the game evolves can be very much how he chooses to control it...from the fatigue to either side. With a decent share of possession, without mistakes we will win.

[Renman]

Upside is not a Sutton or Badger in sight. The Sharks big bench lacks mobility which could bite them in the ass in the middle of the 2nd half if we are fit enough to up the tempo at that time. They will make Marks kick chase impossible. Smith can be a pedant but with it being a final he may let the game flow a bit better which suits us.

[Chookies74]

Sharks big bench, hopefully we swap Steep and Foketi.

[The Lip]

Sharks big bench, hopefully we swap Steep and Foketi.

Steep has been very reliable - his defence is impeccable

[Teddy]

Steep has been very reliable - his defence is impeccable

Yeah kid just doesn’t miss and his runs are through the middle and always looking for Teddy.

[gragra]

Steep has been very reliable - his defence is impeccable

Agree and feketi seems to have more mistakes in his game.....I prefer steep...been on a steep learning curve this year

[A Country Member]

I can’t see the Sharks running out with that team.
Fitzy is doing a Robbo, doing a Brain Smith.

Will the Sharks need cover for Trindall (ankle injury) on the bench (Atkinson) ?

If Nikora moves from reserves to bench or start, who misses out?

Meanwhile over at the Roosters, stability