Gallen and co. hunt Eels down
June 22nd 2008 09:50
There was no way through, as Gallen makes a tackle on Brendan Oak
As per usual, the Cronulla Sharks are grinding out wins. Enough for fans perhaps to raise a few sirens come hospital way.
Yet they are still chasing the likes of Melbourne, Manly and Sydney for a spot playing under lights in the 2008 Grand Final.
The Sharks mental capacity in season 2008 has seen the side turn on some close, albeit strong performances. Their win over the Eels today showcased a team that loves to use its time on the footy pitch. A team with one goal and soul.
In the business of most NRL teams having superstars, the Sharks are for one, a team who can not ride in the luxery of having a Sonny Bill Williams or Billy Slater.
What they do have though is the ability to speak and fight for one another. A true team spirit that now sees them joint competition leaders in the NRL.
In a day where most teams like to play pretty, the Sharks let opponents feel the aspects of Rugby League that make it the toughest code on the planet.
After the Eels recent rise up the ladder, the Sharks derailed their opponents today courtesy of the brute that is Paul Gallen and the rest of a Sharks pack breathing enthusiasim.
Despite the adversity, the Sharks never let go of a challenge. They are a side going places, and soon enough will have their shot at the elusive premiership. The Eels on the other hand touched down to earth today.
Back from a win against the Tigers, the Eels recent tour to form has seen them hit a brick wall. They were outmuscled and outplayed by a Sharks outfit shouting confidence until their voices give out.
Despite boasting one of the finest backlines in the NRL, the Eels needed to earn the right to throw caution to the wind. They have to be prepared to fight out a tough and painful affair with their opposition.
It was then and there the Sharks showed they simply had to much fire in the belly for their more flamboyant opposition.
Rest assured, their will be some bruised body's from both sides tomorrow morning. Through the night, both the Sharks and the Eels will rest and gear up for the remaining ten matches of the season.
The mystique surrounding both these sides in particular could not be any different.
The Eels base their game on flamboyant, knock out contests. If they skip away, they are almost uncatchable.
The Sharks however boast something unique. They are a side that lack the skills and firepower out wide, but are quite acustomed to taking action right up close.
Judged by today's performance, the Sharks - led brilliantly by Paul Gallen, always dig deep for a result. They will never flow to victory, yet they are now starting to beat rival teams because of this.
Teams travelling to Toyota stadium simply can't play still. The Sharks under Ricky Stuart have developed the necessary formula to leave opposition strapped, unable to move and breath.
Every passing minute the Sharks maintain structure, the more chance rival teams will snap and breath out error.
The Sharks style is equivalent to that of a Anaconda squeezing the life out of their prey slowly but surely.
Sharks enforcer Paul Gallen has become acustomed to bullying players so bad as if to give motivation to settle the conflict outside the ground.
Although not funny, Gallen has always been an individual hungry for success. Despite the lavish money being paid to the man, there is nothing you could pay him to keep his persona from inspiring the Cronulla faithful.
Gallen- like the Sharks, will do all necessary to rock their rivals. A hit from the bloke could leave anyone feeling cock-a-doodle, their brains cuckoo perhaps.
A run from Gallen could leave screws loose in the tightest of defences. The man's presence on the field can at times be brutal to any teams chances of winning an arm wrestle style contest.
Assuming the cheeky aspects of his game remain in check, Gallen's form has the potential to leave humour sitting on the back of the team bus when rival NRL sides play the Sharks.
Rolling like a bowling ball destined to strike, Gallen's confidence will need something big to tear a new hole in this man's growing aura in the NRL.
Like Gallen, the buzz surrounding the Sharks season is one of pure confidence and optimisim. If its not about the flow of their football, its certaintly about the chain of wins being strung together.
Fans know their hearts will pulse when the men from the shire come out and play. Whether infront or behind, Cronulla always find out the results of matches near the climax of the tape.
Like a Hollywood script, fans are never quite convinced about the Sharks fate until their noses literally smell victory.
As supporters throughout the shire tap their feet in anticipation, the Sharks have become a side determined not to fail.
After what was a packed Toyata stadium, expect crowd records to soar, as the Sharks come closer to achieving histoy come September.
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