Wests Tigers v Sharks Preview
NRL.com
Leichhardt Oval
Friday 7.30pm
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=52593
WHILE the calculator still indicates the Wests Tigers can be around come finals time, the side can still dream… and while it would be an amazing dream should it materialise it is nonetheless an achievable dream.
After being humbled by Parramatta and the Sea Eagles in the past fortnight the Wests Tigers have been put on notice by coach Tim Sheens, who has promised changes after another season that looks likely to be disappointing.
They enter this penultimate round languishing in 12th spot on the ladder needing two big wins and some other results to go their way to find a spot in the finals. But luckily for them they are playing at home against a side deep in crisis.
The Sharks were seemingly cruising… they sit in equal second spot on the ladder (third after percentages) and had just shut out the Roosters in a dogged display to confirm a home final. But then star player Greg Bird landed himself in massive strife away from the field, leaving the club no choice but to stand him down from the side as a media frenzy engulfed Toyota Stadium.
The unwanted and unneeded distraction has forced Sharks coach Ricky Stuart to move his side over to North Sydney to train, but it might not be enough to keep their minds on the job.
The other factor working in the Wests Tigers’ favour is the recent history between the clubs. It has now been nine games in a row that have gone the Wests Tigers’ way and Leichhardt Oval isn’t an easy place to go to and win, making the Sharks’ plight even more difficult.
The Tigers have selected young Tim Moltzen at centre with Dean Collis out while Robbie Farah moves back to his preferred position at hooker and John Morris slots in at halfback. Cult hero Daine Laurie will start in the second row with Dene Halatau moving to lock and Liam Fulton going to the bench, while Tevita Metuisela is out and Corey Payne and Alan Schirnack have been added to a five-man bench.
For the Sharks, Bird is obviously out with Brett Seymour to return at five-eighth and Brett Kearney to rejoin the side at fullback. Blake Green has been added as an extra man on the bench.
Watch out Wests Tigers: The Sharks are second in the NRL when it comes to dominant tackles, with a whopping 123 more than the Wests Tigers. They average 25.2 dominant hits a match, which allows their defence to control matches. The Wests Tigers need to ensure they aren’t gang tackled and also need to provide subtle footwork when going into contact to ensure they aren’t driven back constantly.
Watch out Sharks: The Wests Tigers are second behind only Canberra and Newcastle when it comes to kicking 40/20s with four so far this season. The Sharks are yet to kick a 40/20, one of only two teams in the competition to fail at the match-turning play. Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are the key kickers for the Sharks to be wary of.
Where it will be won: Concentration. The Sharks already are certain of a top-four berth which makes it even easier for them to use the week’s turmoil as an excuse for a low performance. If they have been able to steel themselves after the knowledge that one of their match-winners won’t be returning then they should be able to keep the dream of a top-two spot alive – but if they fail to concentrate on the job at hand and start worrying about how Bird’s loss will affect them going forward then they will start to freefall; no matter how high they qualify, they’ll be on a slide where the end is straight out the back door.
With their attack already less potent than others’ the attention to detail in every game is paramount. Should it slip, the Wests Tigers can pounce.
The History: Played 16; Wests Tigers 11, Sharks 4, drawn 1. The Wests Tigers have the wood on the Sharks, having now won nine in a row against the boys from the Shire including a 20-16 win earlier this season.
The Sharks haven’t won since 2003. At Leichhardt the ledger is 2-1 to the Wests Tigers. The last three clashes have been very close, decided by two, one and four points.
Conclusion: Do not count out the Wests Tigers, despite their awful form over the past fortnight. Cronulla have a habit of finding a way to lose at this end of the season and while they’ve been very impressive up to this point the loss of Bird could see a little doubt creeping into their minds.
If they stay on task they should win and bury the Wests Tigers and the recent hoodoo in the process. But if they aren’t 100 per cent you’d be better off backing the joint venture.
Match officials: Referee – Sean Hampstead; Sideline Officials – Tony De Las Heras & Steve Carrall; Video ref – Steve Clark.
Televised: Channel Nine – Live 7.30pm; Fox Sports 2 – Delayed 11.30pm.
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
Sean Hampstead
