Coaching the Coaches

The GRL Phantom lays the boot into the under-done, overhyped and poor performing Eels in this week’s edition of Coaching the Coaches.

Cronulla Sharks V South Sydney Rabbitohs
Saturday 9 August 2008 19:30 - Toyota Stadium
Referee: Ben Cummins
Touch Judges: David Abood, Adam Devcich
Video Referee: Bill Harrigan

Souths and the Sharks have represented two distinct and contrasting styles of play in season 08 and get the chance to test these out against each other on Saturday night at Shark Park.  

The Sharks under the '''team philosophy'' coaching of Ricky Stuart love to wear down teams physically and mentally.

While the Sharks have only scored 56 tries in attack this year, I believe the perception they are a team which lacks speed and creative attack is incorrect.

I have never seen a team like the Sharks which get tackled nearer to the line than this team and denied tries.

In fact, in recent weeks the Sharks have shifted the ball better across the ground and also run better and more fluent decoy players on the edges of the field, yet have been unable to convert the half breaks into more tries.

Greg Bird is back in his rightful place at lock and loves to work down the edges of the field. He hits the left side with second rower Paul Gallen and Brett Seymour at five-eighth.

Brett Kimmorley loves to float around more these days and links on the right with the Sharks right hand side attack via Fraser Anderson, and David Simmons.

Watch for former Souths' discard Brett Kearney, following Kimmorley midfield for a short kick or pass back inside.

The Sharks forwards are what I call the ''Bunnings'' variety. They are not the sharpest or cleverest tools in the footy hardware store but they get the job done with a zest for a high tackle counts and yardage plays.]

Ben Ross has improved in the past six weeks. He is playing more minutes and works well in attack powering the ball ahead with Luke Douglas.

Defensively, the Sharks are tough.

They gang tackle and slow the play the ball down for the attacking team and this frustrates them.

Souths' have played better in the past eight weeks since coach Jason Taylor went for youth, skill and enterprise. Craig Wing and Chris Sandow are working nicely in attack.

Nathan Merritt at fullback, loves to follow the pair in centre-field and Isaac Luke loves to race from dummy-half, tiring opposition defenders around the rucks. 

Verdict: Sharks by seven.

Sydney Roosters V Parramatta Eels
Sunday 10 August 2008 15:00 - Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Jared Maxwell
Touch Judges: Matt Cecchin, Paul Holland
Video Referee: Phil Cooley

The Sydney Roosters meet Parramatta at the Sydney Football Stadium for the Jack Gibson Cup.

To be honest the Roosters will win and well. 

Brad Fittler has his team back on track after a few below par performances. Making the finals for the chooks this year is a building block for the future.

The hard work ethic of their forwards and all-round philosophy is something the Eels cannot master.

Talent wise the Eels should be in the top four. But they have a lazy, care-free attitude which has hurt them big time in season 2008. 

The reduction in the interchange rule has hurt the team more and more as the year goes on.

Some of their forwards are past their best, don't break the line and play the ball too slow. 

The Roosters rely on rushing, line speed in defence which suffocates teams.

It will work well against the Eels who don't look fit and athletic enough in the engine room. 

The Eels need a player cleanout at season's end, a super off-season to get fit and most importantly get smart between the ears.

Brett Finch deserves better and so does Feleti Mateo. They have played consistently well each week and done their best in a disappointing outfit. 

Verdict:

Roosters by 20.