It was a scrappy affair at Leichhardt Oval however the Sharks were the ones to come away with the chocolates.
1. Sharks getting back in the groove
It wasn’t pretty but we got there.
22-16 over the Wests Tigers was a win we needed in Round 9 and it took a few of the Sharks’ old heads to get us there.
Shane Flanagan wasn’t glowing in his appraisal of his side post-match however understands that teams “need to win these matches” and this was no different.
This proved again that we have the team to be successful if we play as one.
2. Townsend shows half as much
While much of the talk in recent weeks has been about Chad Townsend’s halves partner James Maloney, the Sharks halfback stood up tonight.
Townsend’s kicking game was key with none more so than the chip’n’chase he put through for himself late in the second half to seal the victory.
Having recently re-signed with the Club, Townsend is keen to keep the Club successful. And with performances like this being produced, lets hope there is more success for the Black, White and Blue in the near future.
3. T-Rex shows plenty of life in BIG legs
How about that for a debut!
T-Rex is looking fit and dangerous and proved that he still has the quality that earnt him both a Kangaroos and NSW State of Origin jersey over his career.
To top it all off, the bullocking back-rower crossed over for a try! His first in Sharks colours!
With Luke Lewis set to return for our Round 10 local derby against the St George Illawarra Dragons, watch this space to see Shane Flanagan’s next move. Either way, it was good to see the big fella get a run and have a smile back on his face!
4. Leichhardt “Sharks Graveyard” no more
They say records were made to be broken. I think you could throw “hoodoos” into that mix also!
Having not won at Leichhardt Oval since Round 25, 2008 the suburban ground has proved something of a sore point for the Shire side. Until now!
The hill was full, the sausage stands were in full swing and the Tigers faithful were out in numbers however the Sharks were victorious.
It’s an unwanted trait being more successful away from home and something that Shane Flanagan wants to eradicate immediately. However, whilst the points on the road are coming, let’s keep it that way!
5. Fingers crossed ahead of Rep Round
The double edged sword of the Rugby League world; Representative Round.
On the one hand, it’s great that Sharks players are able to realise their dreams of playing rep football and it’s something that the Club as a whole is very proud of.
However, it opens up a whole can of worms for injury!
Let’s hope our boys return to Sharks HQ in one piece and will be on board to take on local rivals the Dragons in Round 10.
