Hungrier Sharks again show that from little things big things grow
Phil Gould
There are many things that go into winning a game of football. Most of these factors have nothing to do with the perceived talent, class or reputation of the individuals involved.
Never was this more evident than at Toyota Stadium as Cronulla produced a stirring defensive performance to defeat the Sydney Roosters yesterday afternoon.
For a start, it's a team game. The best team usually wins. The Sharks were easily the best team on the day. They encouraged each other, supported each other, cheered for each other, celebrated with each other; fans respond accordingly when they see their boys love each other.
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They believed in each other, trusted each other and fought for one another. Despite the fact they took the field with many of their star players sitting injured in the grandstands, the Sharks inspired each other to greater heights.
They played the better team football, especially in the first half. Their plan was simple, but the ball movement was both consistent and confident. This reflected a purposeful preparation designed to play the game to their own strengths and target their opponents' weaknesses.
You need to want to win more than your opponent. That's a given. All teams should want to win; but it's amazing how often we see a game where one team wants it more.
On every tackle, for every minute, for the full 80 minutes, the Sharks bristled with desire. They made the big plays when they had to be made. They produced the try-saving tackles when it looked certain the Roosters would score. The little, nitty-gritty things such as chasing kicks, or falling on loose balls, or fighting for a quick play-the-ball, or contesting the 50-50 possessions when the ball is in the air; just about all these little moments went to the more aggressive Sharks players.
You have to be tough. Yep, this is a big factor. What does tough mean in football terms?
It means never giving in, making the extra efforts, getting up when you're hurt, chasing when you are tired; and not allowing bad calls, bad bounces or bad luck to eat into your resolve. Never once yesterday did the courageous Sharks allow setbacks to affect their psyche. Their ability to control their attitude under the most intense of pressure situations was outstanding.
At one stage in the second half they were called upon to defend their goal line for five consecutive sets of six. The Roosters threw everything at the Sharks but the Cronulla boys refused to buckle.
This period ended with fullback Isaac Gordon producing one of the try-saving tackles of the season on Roosters back-rower Tom Symonds, bundling him into the corner post and sending the hometown crowd into raptures. It was an inspiring moment and signified the Sharks would not be beaten.
It was such a great team effort by the Sharks that it would be unfair to single out any one player from the winning team; however, special mention must go to their most experienced player and warrior-like leader, Paul Gallen. Also to their least experienced player, young winger Stewart Mills, who produced one of the toughest and most competent first-grade debuts I have ever witnessed. He was outstanding.
The Sydney Roosters? I'm not sure where their heads were at coming into this contest; but their laidback approach to the game in the first 30 minutes was most confusing.
They did not establish themselves in the contest. They meekly surrendered the advantage line. Despite boasting the experience and class edge in the most important attacking positions, the Roosters produced little in attack and never really tested the Cronulla defence at any stage during this period.
Late in the first half they finally moved the ball to the edges of the field and immediately created opportunities. They scored a soft try just before half-time to get themselves back in the game and you got the feeling if they started the second half the same way they would have probably cruised to a comfortable victory. The Roosters had plenty of quality possession in the second half. They enjoyed a total of 35 tackles inside the Sharks' 20m zone and seemed destined to score on many occasions.
However, the lack of structure in the Roosters' attack meant the visitors would not trouble the scorers again during the afternoon.
Last year's grand finalists now slump to only two wins in nine games and the attacking confidence of 2010 has been replaced by an unconvincing rabble in 2011. They have a massive job to do if they are to get themselves out of the cellar in this competition. But in the end the day belonged to the boys from Cronulla and they deserve all the accolades. They were tremendous.
