Round 23
Sharks 14 l. Eels 34

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Sharks 2007 litmus test begins
Mon August 14, 2006
Over ten weeks ago, I predicted the Cronulla Sharks would finish the minor premiership in second spot. Not only has that goal (some will mutter 'dream') been extinguished, the Sharks face a mountainous task to even feature in September. Whilst winning their last three games will help their finals chances, it seems an optimistic ambition given the unfolding events of the last seven weeks.

Where did the Sharks go wrong? That question has been on everyone's lips. Some will say they lacked the class and depth to keep their early season form going, while others believe they shot themselves in the foot. In truth, it's a combination of both that has lead to their downfall. They've at times played very good and disciplined football despite losing seven straight, but now is not the time for trial and error. At this stage, the real premiership contenders use their experience of the previous rounds to showcase their A-grade game.

The Sharks have been plagued by injuries without a doubt. But that can hardly be offered as an excuse when nearly every other side faces the same problem. Replacements have come in, and either got injured themselves, or proven below the challenge posed at them.

Ultimately however, many cite the Sharks' misfiring halves combination as the real reason why Cronulla have plummetted so dramatically. The statistics do not lie. The Sharks have benefitted from having Brett Kearney wearing the number 6 jersey whilst either Adam Dykes or Brett Kimmorley directs the play. It seems to be a case of 'too many cooks spoil the broth' when Dykes and Kimmorley are the chosen combination.

Stuart Raper will have had many detractors for his persistance of the combination. Raper is keenly aware of the potential a firing Dykes/Kimmorley combination poses, which is very much the reason for his reluctance to explore other avenues. The reality, however, is that if he does break up the partnership, who is the one to make way? How do you choose between Brett Kimmorley, who has achieved nearly everything the game has to offer, and Adam Dykes, a prodigal son of the club?

That said, a line has to be drawn in the sand. There are three weeks left in the regular season of 2006. Whilst the Sharks may have bombed their chance, they still have plenty to prove, not least whether the Dykes/Kimmorley partnership has a future beyond 2006. Both men are off-contract next season. However, unless they exhibit what has been sorely lacking these past seven weeks, one may be asked to get packing a year early.

Advanced Search