Simple formula as Sharks eye prize
KEEPING it simple will be the key to success for MossmanPort Douglas as the Sharks look to claim their first CDRL premiership in 20 years.
Coach Jason Chilman has named an unchanged line-up for tonight’s grand final clash against Tully.
He said the team that beat Brothers in the major semifinal a fortnight ago had to be trusted to get the job done against the Tigers.
“The boys that got us here deserve the chance to finish it off,” Chilman said.
“We could have picked Pat Watt, who was ready to go after a knee injury, but we have faith in those lads who have taken us this far.”
The Sharks used their week off to rest sore bodies and prepare themselves for the club’s biggest game this century.
“We are ready to go. We have done the hard work and this week has been about touching up a few things,” Chilman said.
“If we play our best footy we will beat Tully.”
The Sharks boast a potent attack, led by fullback Eddie Daniel and winger Stanley Anau, who scored a remarkable 39 tries this season – four short of the CDRL record.
But there is much more to the Mossman side than speedy outside men. The likes of Matt Santarossa, Matt Bon, Terence Newman and Billy Segeyaro off the bench give the Sharks lots of firepower up the middle.
“We just need to keep things simple,” Chilman said.
“What we’ve done the past few weeks has been spot-on.
“The important thing in a grand final is the one percenters. If you do those things and work for each other, you will get the rewards.”
Chilman said the Mossman and Port Douglas communities had rallied behind the Sharks.
“I went into Woolies the other day in Mossman before training and people were coming up to me to say congratulations and a couple of people yelled out ‘up the Sharks’, which was nice,” he said.
“I had my young fella next to me and he was like, ‘dad, do you know these people?’ and I had to tell him that I didn’t know most of them.
“That’s what footy is about. It brings communities together and makes them thrive.”
Chilman said regardless of tonight’s result, he would be proud of his side’s season.