Is there anything actually to report football wise yet? :sarcasm:
Sharks fear Barbara magic?
Crunch: Chris Heighington is ready for the Bulldogs. Photo: Anthony Johnson
Cronulla players are bracing for Canterbury fullback Ben Barba to recapture his form from last season, but the Sharks are hoping he doesn't peak for at least another week as the teams collide at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
After a disjointed start, which included time in rehab, Barba has struggled to recapture his scintillating form of last year.
Statistics show Barba has had far less impact from his three matches this season compared to his near faultless form last year.
Remarkably, he is yet to make a line break from his three games after finishing last year with the most in the competition with 27.
His average kick-return metres is down by more than 10 metres a game, and his running metres is 35 metres below last season, although his involvement has increased - averaging more runs each game.
Cronulla forward Chris Heighington said his team were still wary of Barba's potential impact.
''He is one of those guys that you can't take his whole game away,'' Heighington said. ''You need to minimise his touches with the ball and you can't give him too much time. He definitely isn't far away [from his best form].''
Both teams head into the round seven clash desperate for points.
A loss would leave Canterbury bottom of the premiership ladder. Cronulla are searching to end a three-game losing streak.
''We need to improve our completions and kicking game,'' Heighington said. ''Last year the Sharks were one of the better completed teams.
''We need to get through our sets and build pressure.''
Heighington, a Umina Bunnies junior, returns to the central coast with the Sharks for the first time. He will be boosted by a parochial home crowd with plenty of friends and family scattered throughout the stadium. ''I've arranged for 20 tickets,'' Heighington said.
''My family get really excited when we come here and they don't have to travel too far to watch me play. I was very excited when I saw the draw come out.''
Cronulla five-eighth Todd Carney is a definite starter, making his return from an ankle injury after completing a ball-work session with his teammates at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday. The Sharks have gone into camp, having stayed in nearby Wyong before the match.
''It's always good to spend time with your teammates ahead of a match,'' Heighington said. ''Todd is looking really good and trained throughout the week. He is a bit of an X-factor for us. He is a really talented player and you need him. We've prepared well and we're ready.''
Cronulla have taken an 18-man squad to the central coast, with back-rower Sam Tagataese the likely omission. The Sharks have won just one of their past seven matches against the Bulldogs.
Despite one win this season, Heighington said the Bulldogs were a strong side.
''They've only had one win but they've played well, really, in a few games,'' Heighington said. ''They aren't far away and haven't been too bad. They should have had more than one win.''
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...barba-magic-20130427-2ilcn.html#ixzz2RhrWcDTM
