Story published in The Daily Telegraph – Friday April 25, 2014
BOYD Cordner became the first Roosters player to win the Spirit of Anzac medal last year and his captain Anthony Minichiello wants more of the same on Friday.
What: NRL Round 7
Who: Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
When: Saturday April 19 – 7.30pm
Where: Remondis Stadium
I Can Watch It On: Fox Sports
Form guide:
Cron: LLLLWL
Roosters: LWWLLL
Things You Need To Know:
Both sides come into round seven with the less said about their recent form the better. The Sharks’ only change is Jonathan Wright in for Nathan Stapleton on the wing. Enforcers Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou are still missing, leaving obvious holes in their go forward. Although there is a whisper Tupou might return. Daniel Mortimer and Dylan Napa are added to an extended bench for the Roosters, who are looking to break a three match losing streak.
Reason To Watch:
James Maloney’s form has come under the microscope and he will be primed to turn things around. His NSW jumper may hinge on him doing so
Reason To Turn Away:
Other than the fact that both sides have left a lot to be desired in recent fixtures, there’s also the question of Todd Carney’s new Eminem-style haircut, making him stand out for all the wrong reasons against Manly. Carney only put a huge target on his back. Between a mix of a below par performance and his new ‘style’, critics were more than happy to pounce on the enigmatic five-eighth. Why give them added ammunition?
Say What:
“We need to be a lot better. It was embarrassing for us, that first half … (I am) terribly disappointed. As far as energy levels goes, other teams have enthusiasm and we don’t have it week to week,” – Sharks coach Peter Sharp sums up Cronulla’s woes in brutal fashion.
Final Word:
Although the Roosters have had a modest start to the season, they are still a genuine premiership side. The time has come for them to hit their straps and to put it simply; they are too tough for the Sharks. Cronulla’s recent form speaks for itself. Roosters by 18.
Sam Alexander
Find the preview published at http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314075/nrl
What: NRL Round 4
Who: Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters
Result: Manly 8-0
When and Where: Friday, March 28 – Allianz Stadium
Crowd: 14,902
Match Rating: 7/10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
The Eagles have done it again. Not even the loss of enforcer Glenn Stewart could stop the rampaging Sea Eagles who won yet another hard-fought battle. In a game where they dominated possession, with an 11-2 penalty count and 51% off possession, it’s hard to say they didn’t deserve it. The woeful completion rate of 17/33 didn’t offer any help for the Roosters either. It was quite obvious why these two were in the grand final last year, and they picked up where they left off. Roosters fans will feel the refs were against them, and who can blame them, but standout performances from Daly Cherry-Evans and Steve Matai sealed the win.
Who Killed It:
It’s hard to go past Daly Cherry-Evans in this one. His brilliant vision, playmaking and never-say-die attitude has shaped him into the superstar he is today. His desperate try-saving tackle on Boyd Cordner in the fifth minute showed was outstanding and really set the tone for the Manly boys. Matai was also a standout, most notably having a hand in Cheyse Blair’s try in the corner through distributing a brilliant pass for the Extradited Eel to go diving over.
Who Stank It Up:
In a game where his team needed him to stand up, Michael Jennings found himself suffocated out wide. Jennings only made 8 runs for 50 metres. Although he finished with a solid 20 tackles, he didn’t offer that attacking genius he possesses, in which we have seen him tear backlines apart. Roosters’ fans will see the referees as the biggest mishap, but their lack of discipline was ultimately their downfall.
What Do I Need To Know:
One incident led to a huge blow for both sides with a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves high shot on Glenn Stewart landing both influential players in hot water. Waerea-Hargreaves was put on report for the shot that left Stewart dazed and requiring medical attention which ultimately led him off the field due to the new concussion guidelines. Given his record, Waerea-Hargreaves could struggle to get out of this one.
Look Up Ahead:
The hot and cold Roosters outfit takes on the Bulldogs, Friday night at home. The Sea Eagles play Wests Tigers in a classic Sunday afternoon fixture at Leichhardt Oval.
S.J.A 