Raper's Circus
By RAY CHESTERTON
February 28, 2006
COACH Stuart Raper has revamped Cronulla's attack for this season, introducing more variety and speed in the hope of finally launching a concerted assault on an elusive premiership.
He has also enlisted the folk lore of circus juggling to help ball handling.
In a game where no stone or big top is left unexplored, Raper has his players doing drills involving juggling tennis balls and footballs to improve hand-to-eye coordination.
He got the idea while coaching in England and watching a circus performer move from juggling small balls to pens and finally to heavy chain saws, their motors revving and the teeth active.
Juggling active chain saws is unlikely to be seen at Cronulla, given its potential to end handling mishaps in a decidedly final way.
"I looked at juggling and thought it had potential for rugby league," Stuart said.
"So we're giving it a go.
"If it doesn't work there is always busking."
When talking about his club's preparation, Stuart says new potential fullbacks Darren Albert and David Simmons will inject a jolt of real speed into proceedings.
"The biggest change that will affect us is Simmons or Albert at fullback instead of David Peachey," Raper said.
"I've noticed the fullback role has changed from good solid Garry Jack types to players like Matt Bowen, Billy Slater and Brett Hodgson.
"They're just pure speed."
Stuart said the contribution from former fullback Peachey, who is playing in England, would not be forgotten but a new style was being created.
"Peach could set up tries and do some remarkable things but now we'll have a fullback with real speed," he added.
The signing of Albert, the winger who scored Newcastle's match-winning try in the 1997 grand final and Penrith's skilled prop Ben Ross, gives the Sharks more attacking options.
They will reduce the pressure on half Brett Kimmorley to be the team's solo attacking force.
"If we can get into our second phase play it's going to be good for him (Kimmorley) and help him stand off the ball a bit," Ross said.
Raper said the club would also be expecting more from its likely hooker this year, Tevita Latu, because of the extras options it opened up.
"The options we had made us think about the way we would play and Brett's (Kimmorley) been very receptive to it," he said.
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No suprise really, we always knew they were bunch of clowns.
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