Kimmorley leading the way
July 1st 2008 08:44
Master and apprentice - Kimmorley shuts down the Raiders Todd Carney
Brett Kimmorley is leading the competition through means of stamina and guts.
His whole crew was behind 12-0 against the Raiders in chilly Canberra, yet he found a way to pull a master stroke only a genius like him could seize.
The Sharks captain was the man in between a struggle that packed on the points. Sixty in all.
While the Raiders raced to a two try lead, the Sharks - through Kimmorley, always kept things close in a game Canberra could have run away with.
In the twinkling of an eye, the scores were locked at 12-12 and Kimmorley ensured his side were unbeatable for the rest of the encounter.
Best believe the Sharks will go late into September this year.
Although often rejects in terms of crowd support, the Sharks are shaking the whole world under Kimmorley’s guidance.
The ejection of enthusiasm this side has witnessed is quite remarkable, considering they finished so poorly in 2007.
Coach Ricky Stuart made it no secret his side had to improve their mental capacity in shutting out close games. Games they often lost last season.
The mind state of both Cronulla and Kimmorley is now at a rate of great belief.
Now safely out of the shells in terms of producing points, the Sharks are now scoring enough tries to erase the trail of disappointment suffered last year.
Although not one to put a life sentence, Stuart demanded his team fight for both Kimmorley and a club yet to taste premiership glory.
On his 250th first grade game, everything went to trial for Kimmorley. Every ball he touched was met with swift action.
When in possession, Kimmorley had everything under control and the Raiders could not escape the steady grip the former NSW and Australian half was producing.
The amazing aspect about both Cronulla and Kimmorley’s performance was the gas they were able to produce after the Raiders dominated proceedings in the opening twenty minutes.
Canberra have made a habit of leaving opposition hanging on hooks after such a blistering start.
The likes of Todd Carney and Alan Tongue were dominating for the Raiders. 12 nil on the board and everything looked sweet.
Twenty minutes later, here I am trying to explain how the Sharks went into the break 18-12 up.
One reason though could be the emergence of Kimmorley as the most influential half in the competition.
Trailing by the margin they were, Kimmorley took control and weaved his influence on a game the Raiders had by the throat.
In the end, his actions wounded Canberra deeply and from there, they never recovered.
For the Sharks, Kimmorley put his side on route to the finals and a possible minor premiership.
Every piece of skill the Sharks possess are glued by Kimmorley’s presence.
In the sternest of tests yesterday evening, The Sharks half produced three try assists to propel his side out of a messy situation.
Once both Kimmorley and the Sharks gained control, the rugged style they have used so well this season came to the fore.
Kimmorley put Canberra behind the 8 ball as Cronulla hollered into equal first position on the NRL ladder.
The likes of Manly and the Sydney Roosters will roll down their windows and take notice of a side really clicking into gear.
With Brett Kimmorley now in the form of his career, the Sharks are well placed to kick back with the bye and re-fuel the fire for that elusive premiership.
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