Every club has a hero. A legend, a player who represents the club in every way possible. Most Club Icon's retired many, many years ago and are immortalised on hall of fame's, statues in front of the ground or limited memorabilia. Cronulla could count their blessings that their legend still plies his trade, carting the ball up, time, after time, after time. Paul Gallen is his name and how he deserves so much more. An icon of the game, Gallen would walk into any club's starting line up, but he is a Shark, and forever will be. Unfortunately for Gallen, despite some solid recruitment, I don't see success coming to the Shire in 2012, but I do see some upsets and a feel good story which will promise so much more for 2013.
The Key Signing- Cronulla have recruited well. Fair to say they have made the smartest moves of all 16 clubs. I can't split the signings of Andrew Fifita and Todd Carney. The barnstorming Fifita found game time limited at the Tigers and will play big minute at the Sharks. As for Carney, we all know the story, it is yet another chance. However, if one club has nothing to lose, it is Cronulla and he will slowly work his way back to his best. Carney could steer Cronulla into the top 8, but with a big turn over of players, once again it will be important to set the foundation for 2013
The Key Loss- Whilst Gallen and Snowden received all the accolades, it was his partner in crime Luke Douglas who racked up the mileage. Douglas did all the hard yards, the dirty work, the grinding. A big money move to the Titans might have made his head spin, evident in a loss of form at the Sharks. However it is a big hole left at the Sharks.
Strengths- Pace to burn. 3 of the fastest in the game could possibly line up at 1, 2 and 5. Nathan Gardner, Nathan Stapleton and Isaac Gordon have left opposition footballers in their trail, with the later holding the ability to run an Olympic Qualifying time in the 100m sprint. And it is not all about linear speed, all 3 footballers have such a sharp change of direction you can be sure to see some razzle dazzle from the Cronulla back 3
Weakness- The winning mentality. Founded in 1967, Cronulla have failed to win the prize, the NRL Premiership. Just don't remind the locals as this year it will be theirs, and the next, and the next. Cronulla need to sign some winners. Players with the ability to close the game, or win a game after trailing by 12. Or they need to create an aura of winning. I do feel with the talent of players they have signed, this can be created with a good string of results, building onto 2013
The X Factor- It is simple. Todd Carney. Cronulla have signed one of the best play makers, on his day. Cronulla need to pray that Carney has this day at least 15 times this season if they are to climb into the top 8. Carney needs to realise that this is his last, last chance. Actually, he has not played for Souths yet so their is one more shot at it. In all seriousness, Cronulla have offered Carney a life line, if he wants to play first grade football, this is it. Time to silence the doubters
One to Watch- Long range tries are rare and something to behold. Nathan Gardner scores them for fun. Kick to him and don't chase in a line and you are in trouble. An injury plagued 2011 has not taken any pace away from the young man. Watch out, this should be fun
Mate that is spot on. Cronulla can do anything. Absolutely anything. They have signed some top players but have lost some good ones also. I think they will go through what we did last year (Canterbury). So much ability but not much to show for it. If they can be a bit more successful then us then they can push on. But you are right, the future looks bright for Cronulla
ReplyDeleteI think you have jumped the gun with the Sharks. I believe they will pinch 8th or just miss out. They have moved well in the market, Todd Carney has to make the most of what will be his last shot at first grade
ReplyDeleteSome good points there
ReplyDeleteSasha- Good comparison with Canterbury, I think thats exactly the position Cronulla will find themselves in this year
Pete- Sharks could make a play for the 8, whether they have enough in them to make the most of their chances will be interesting!
No joke, in all honesty I can't see Carney staying clean, it's not a NRL season without one of his off-field antics. I may be wrong, although $50 on him to go astray.
ReplyDeleteHurry, I wanna see where St.George rank. :p
What is it, 45 years and one fark all! Sharkies...Sharkiess????
ReplyDeleteSaj Shouldn't you be happy I haven't mentioned St George yet! lol. I think it is 45 years mate!
ReplyDeleteIt will be the same old Carney and in turn the same old Cronulla. They could have had a really good year if they didnt sign this guy. I cant believe people out there still think he is going to turn his life around! HE WONT. He is a self destructive person by nature that also brings others down with him. The roosters played better after they stood him down. Does that not say something? I feel for Paul Gallen i really do! He deserves much better than having to mentor and put up with this idiot of a moron of a football player. He has ALREADY been spotted at various shire watering holes we have yet again another ticking time bomb from our favourite social hand grenade.
ReplyDelete45 years this team like why do they bother ? they sign all the best players and make them rubbish ! Carney goodluck should of came to the saints!
ReplyDelete