Matabele
Journey Man
WALKING WOUNDED
Injury and homesickness have forced Sea Eagles utility back Ashley Alberts to head back to Queensland.
The Sharks will again be without centre Nigel Vagana (ankle), lock Paul Gallen (back) and utility Ben Pomeroy (groin). Hooker Matt Hilder (shoulder) is due back next week.
FORM
The Sea Eagles missed 51 tackles last week against the Cowboys, but still managed to get within four points of last year's grand finalists at the final siren. The effort was obviously there, but like round one, execution was a major concern.
The Sharks began solidly against the Broncos in their first match of the season, but struggled to hold on to the ball after skipping to a handy 12-0 halftime lead. They made too many errors (14 more than the Broncos) and surrendered valuable field position as a result. This is just a carry on from last year.
WHO'S HOT
Sharks fullback David Simmons may have some big boots to fill this season, but he came through his first major test with flying colours last Saturday night. He displayed David Peachey-style evasive skills to set up a length-of-the-field try for winger Darren Albert in the first half and maintained a high standard of play for the remainder of the match.
WHO'S NOT
The Sea Eagles need more from prop Jason King, who has promised much over the years, but is still yet to deliver on a consistent basis. He was ineffective again last Saturday night, making only a handful of metres in attack and missing six tackles.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Matt Orford v Brett Kimmorley
Brent Kite v Ben Ross
Steve Menzies v Lance Thompson
LIKE TO SEE
Improved ball control from the Sharks following last week's scrappy effort. They had two valuable premiership points in the bag, but literally threw them away much to the dismay of an expectant home crowd.
WOULDN'T LIKE TO SEE
A repeat of the last time these two teams played. It was a 62-point flogging by the Sharks and hardly a good advertisement for the NRL.
WE THINK
The Sharks need to improve in a big way on the disappointing performance against the Broncos last week. The Sea Eagles have also struggled, but the signs were there late against the Cowboys that a few combinations are starting to form. The shifting of Michael Monaghan from five-eighth to hooker is a good move by coach Des Hasler as it will allow Matt Orford to be the main playmaker. Sea Eagles by 10.
Injury and homesickness have forced Sea Eagles utility back Ashley Alberts to head back to Queensland.
The Sharks will again be without centre Nigel Vagana (ankle), lock Paul Gallen (back) and utility Ben Pomeroy (groin). Hooker Matt Hilder (shoulder) is due back next week.
FORM
The Sea Eagles missed 51 tackles last week against the Cowboys, but still managed to get within four points of last year's grand finalists at the final siren. The effort was obviously there, but like round one, execution was a major concern.
The Sharks began solidly against the Broncos in their first match of the season, but struggled to hold on to the ball after skipping to a handy 12-0 halftime lead. They made too many errors (14 more than the Broncos) and surrendered valuable field position as a result. This is just a carry on from last year.
WHO'S HOT
Sharks fullback David Simmons may have some big boots to fill this season, but he came through his first major test with flying colours last Saturday night. He displayed David Peachey-style evasive skills to set up a length-of-the-field try for winger Darren Albert in the first half and maintained a high standard of play for the remainder of the match.
WHO'S NOT
The Sea Eagles need more from prop Jason King, who has promised much over the years, but is still yet to deliver on a consistent basis. He was ineffective again last Saturday night, making only a handful of metres in attack and missing six tackles.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Matt Orford v Brett Kimmorley
Brent Kite v Ben Ross
Steve Menzies v Lance Thompson
LIKE TO SEE
Improved ball control from the Sharks following last week's scrappy effort. They had two valuable premiership points in the bag, but literally threw them away much to the dismay of an expectant home crowd.
WOULDN'T LIKE TO SEE
A repeat of the last time these two teams played. It was a 62-point flogging by the Sharks and hardly a good advertisement for the NRL.
WE THINK
The Sharks need to improve in a big way on the disappointing performance against the Broncos last week. The Sea Eagles have also struggled, but the signs were there late against the Cowboys that a few combinations are starting to form. The shifting of Michael Monaghan from five-eighth to hooker is a good move by coach Des Hasler as it will allow Matt Orford to be the main playmaker. Sea Eagles by 10.
