Tigers too good for Warriors
Sharks ready to defend crown
“WE are ready to go”.
That was the message from coach Shane Flanagan last night after premiers Cronulla put to bed a less-than-convincing finish to the regular season.
Inspired by a phenomenal 272m effort from Paul Gallen, the Sharks did just enough to beat a gutsy Newcastle 26-18 yesterday and wrap up fifth spot on the ladder.
It means the Sharks will be playing sudden-death football starting on Sunday when they take on North Queensland at Allianz Stadium.
History shows how hard it is to win the crown from outside the top four. But even though Cronulla have been less than impressive recently, losing three of their past five games to the Raiders, Broncos and Roosters, Flanagan boldly declared: “We have our best footy in front of us. I am confident we can win three or four games, whatever it needs to be to get to a grand final.
“We have to challenge ourselves to get that done now. Semi-finals is different. I feel as though I have a semi-final team that will step up.”
Flanagan gave credit to the young Knights, who fought back from 18-0 down. THE Wests Tigers sent departing stars Aaron Woods and James Tedesco out as winners following a 28-16 NRL victory over the Warriors.
In the final game of the NRL regular season, Woods spearheaded a 12-point victory over the listless Warriors in front of 10,231 rowdy fans at Leichhardt Oval yesterday.
Woods ran for 212 metres and made 39 tackles in a 73minute effort ahead of his move to Canterbury next season.
The win allowed the jointventure to end their tumultuous season, which included the sacking of coach Jason Taylor and the departure of half Mitchell Moses depart mid-year, on a high. They also jumped the Gold Coast into 14th spot on the ladder. The match never really reached any great heights however the Tigers produced a late contender for try of the year when they went the length of the field through Tui Lolohea in the 33rd minute.
The Warriors were without star halves Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson, however questions will be asked of coach Stephen Kearney after his side notched just seven wins despite having a squad loaded with international talent.