Victory Monday! Catching Up With Kieran Over Coffee About Cronulla (9/9/24)

[00:00:00] SharkCast! SharkCast!

[00:00:03] SharkCast! SharkCast!

[00:00:08] Fafe that drives the crack, he's way out of the red dot

[00:00:11] Fafe that dropped the ball over the line

[00:00:14] And all you people back in the Shire

[00:00:17] Tell you watch live drop, cause we're coming over to trophy

[00:00:31] Hey there, good morning, welcome to Catching Up With Kieran Over Coffee

[00:00:35] About Cronulla, another episode of SharkCast pod

[00:00:38] It is our pleasure and honor to be here with you

[00:00:41] On this glorious Monday morning where all our teams do

[00:00:44] Kieran is they win, they win, they win, they win

[00:00:46] The Cronulla Sharks, whichever one's invested in

[00:00:49] Listening and watching this, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia

[00:00:53] Eagles and we both go for Liverpool, I'm assuming they

[00:00:56] Oh they didn't play on the weekend but they're going really well

[00:00:59] Lower grades going good and our LW bit of a hiccup we'll get into

[00:01:02] But we are here to talk about the mighty Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

[00:01:05] The greatest club in the history of the world

[00:01:08] This show is brought to you by Dyson Logistics, the Royal Mady Ock Club in Port Hacking

[00:01:11] And Jason Hawes at Crips and Crips Real Estate

[00:01:13] All three of those companies are stoked

[00:01:16] Cause we're heading to the finals

[00:01:17] Heading down to Melbourne

[00:01:20] On Saturday afternoon it's gonna be awesome

[00:01:22] We're here to discuss that

[00:01:24] And all bunch of things but let me throw this back to you

[00:01:27] Kieran Fraser how are you going my friend?

[00:01:29] It's not too bad, the weather is starting to warm up

[00:01:31] I'm a little bit sore after yesterday

[00:01:32] But things are looking positive

[00:01:35] You can feel it in the air, finals football is here mate

[00:01:37] Can't wait

[00:01:38] You're sore after watching the Sharks win by 20 points?

[00:01:41] I was barely awake watching the Sharks play at 2 o'clock

[00:01:45] But Jim had a fitness challenge

[00:01:48] For a young girl who got brain cancer and passed away

[00:01:50] So it was basically four hours of training

[00:01:53] And a few NRL guys down there

[00:01:55] So James Graham was down there

[00:01:56] Roy Adams

[00:01:58] Brad Takerini

[00:01:59] Benny Ross

[00:02:00] Hallitow

[00:02:01] So yeah it was a good day and they absolutely flogged us

[00:02:04] That's good, let me know where I can donate to that

[00:02:07] I would love to do that

[00:02:08] How's Azatazi looking these days?

[00:02:11] He was on the run so I ran about 16 K's

[00:02:14] And every time I was doing one of the runs

[00:02:16] He was out there and he looked like he could still go

[00:02:18] And he's just still got that presence

[00:02:20] He's still ripped

[00:02:21] But the guy who really impressed me

[00:02:23] Was James Graham because he was doing the runs

[00:02:26] And you can just see if that guy put his body weight into hitting you

[00:02:30] He would break all my ribs

[00:02:31] I would not get up if James Graham put a hit on me

[00:02:33] So for a charity run he still has that intensity about him?

[00:02:37] Yeah absolutely

[00:02:38] They all do

[00:02:39] They've all got that switch and they keep going

[00:02:41] Actually Benny Ross is actually very fast

[00:02:43] I did a thing with him once

[00:02:45] I kind of thought I'll test myself against him

[00:02:48] And see if I can outrun him

[00:02:49] How hard could it be because he's a big fella

[00:02:52] And he put the jets on and he was bored

[00:02:54] Benny Ross

[00:02:55] We love Ben Ross on SharkCastPod

[00:02:57] Part of the crew really historically speaking

[00:02:59] Always a friend

[00:03:01] Sharky's win 40 points to 20 at Brookvale

[00:03:03] Third straight win at the venue

[00:03:06] And we've got a pretty good recent record

[00:03:08] Over that mob considering we've only won

[00:03:10] I think around 30 games out of 100

[00:03:13] The recent record is really good

[00:03:15] Especially under Craig Fitzgibbon

[00:03:17] And that just tells me that

[00:03:19] Whenever this team puts their minds

[00:03:21] To something they can actually do it

[00:03:23] And it's a great asset to have

[00:03:26] What were your expectations

[00:03:28] Going into the game Kieran

[00:03:29] And what did you get out of it

[00:03:31] Did they meet, exceed?

[00:03:33] Tell me things

[00:03:33] I've kind of been saying for a few weeks

[00:03:35] There's a big difference between the top four

[00:03:37] And the rest of the top eight

[00:03:39] Like five through eight

[00:03:40] And I think you saw that

[00:03:41] Mainly through everything at the sharks

[00:03:43] They were super physical at the start

[00:03:45] And they were trying to bash us

[00:03:47] Out of that power game and turn our forwards away

[00:03:49] But the forwards did a really good job

[00:03:52] And kept pushing and they weren't scared

[00:03:54] And they really absorbed all that contact

[00:03:56] And just kind of shook it off

[00:03:58] And they went to another level

[00:04:00] And manly couldn't keep up with them

[00:04:01] So going into that game

[00:04:03] I was kind of a little bit nervous

[00:04:04] Just because it's that whole Brookvale thing

[00:04:06] And while we've had some success for us

[00:04:08] Recently I never feel comfortable

[00:04:10] When it's at Brookvale

[00:04:11] But it was great to see

[00:04:12] I thought the likes of Nekora and Wilton

[00:04:15] On the edges were absolutely outstanding

[00:04:16] And then Toby has really found form

[00:04:19] Since he's been dropped so it's great to see

[00:04:21] 18 missed tackles in total

[00:04:23] At a time it was

[00:04:24] A lot less than that last sort of ten minutes

[00:04:27] We tapered off for obvious reasons

[00:04:29] 18 missed tackles going into a finals game

[00:04:32] I think that's tremendous

[00:04:34] Yeah, and there was really nothing to play for

[00:04:37] Manly was playing for a home semi-final

[00:04:39] And the Sharks had

[00:04:41] We were finishing fourth regardless

[00:04:42] So it's so easy to put the handbrake on

[00:04:44] And not really absorb that contact

[00:04:46] Or get turned away and just kind of shy away from it

[00:04:49] So it was great to see them be so physical

[00:04:52] It'll be interesting to see

[00:04:53] Once we get a few more troops back next week

[00:04:55] I'm very anxious to see what's going on

[00:04:57] With the match review committee with

[00:04:58] Ramey and Wilton

[00:04:59] But we'll have to wait and see what happens there

[00:05:02] I'll let you know if that breaks as we're recording

[00:05:05] But you're right

[00:05:07] They had very little to play for

[00:05:09] Fitz Gibbon was on the up saying

[00:05:10] We've got everything to play for

[00:05:12] We try and compete in every game

[00:05:13] And I believe what he says

[00:05:14] But as a fan looking at it

[00:05:16] You can't go anywhere

[00:05:18] All you're playing for is cohesion

[00:05:20] And form and pride going into this

[00:05:23] Round but they are still important

[00:05:25] To play for

[00:05:26] And to go to Brookie

[00:05:28] Brookie was rockin'

[00:05:30] Like it was sold out

[00:05:31] And it was

[00:05:32] You would think

[00:05:33] 90-10 fan base

[00:05:35] And even when they got back into the game

[00:05:38] Manly when it was

[00:05:41] I think it was 4 or 6-4

[00:05:43] And you thought

[00:05:44] We might fall away here

[00:05:46] You know the discipline was a little bit

[00:05:48] A little bit iffy

[00:05:51] And I thought all the crowd might get them home

[00:05:52] But the Sharks did their thing

[00:05:55] They kept the ball in play

[00:05:56] And they upped the tempo

[00:05:58] And the crowd just went away

[00:06:00] And that's the absolute blueprint

[00:06:02] For this week against Melbourne

[00:06:03] But I thought that was really impressive

[00:06:06] The way they just sort of held their poise

[00:06:08] Got their act together

[00:06:10] Things started to click

[00:06:12] We completed at

[00:06:14] 29-39

[00:06:15] So 74% that can improve

[00:06:18] But 9 line breaks to 3

[00:06:20] I mean you couldn't stop those back rowers

[00:06:22] They were just killing it

[00:06:24] And yeah

[00:06:25] Yeah I thought overall

[00:06:27] Really impressive display

[00:06:28] Another really good performance at Brookie

[00:06:30] We've had I think 2 out of the 3 wins there

[00:06:32] Recently have been big ones

[00:06:34] So we have no fear now

[00:06:37] Going there and

[00:06:37] It was kind of the perfect

[00:06:41] Warm up for this week right

[00:06:42] Yeah and there was times in that first half

[00:06:44] Where I was like oh this is a little bit too physical

[00:06:47] I wish we rested more players

[00:06:48] Just because some of the shots that Manly were putting on

[00:06:51] You know they weren't playing around

[00:06:53] So it was good to get through

[00:06:55] Relatively unscathed

[00:06:56] I think Hazelton might have picked up a bit of a Neal

[00:06:58] But other than that everyone's got out

[00:07:01] At fine and the real value

[00:07:02] Is having Nico play the 2 games

[00:07:05] You know when we were talking about

[00:07:06] When could we get him back

[00:07:08] You need at least 2 weeks before the finals

[00:07:11] To sort of get there

[00:07:12] I'm sure we'll touch on it later

[00:07:13] But Nico looked a lot more settled

[00:07:15] He looked a little bit more dominant too

[00:07:17] Compared to Trindle

[00:07:18] Compared to the past where Trindle's kind of taken the reins

[00:07:21] And Nico's been a little bit back from him

[00:07:23] But I think really good signs

[00:07:25] And you know let's get everyone fit

[00:07:26] Let's get everyone back on the field and see how we go next week

[00:07:28] But there was a point like you said

[00:07:30] Where Manly was kind of getting on top

[00:07:32] I thought when their back row

[00:07:34] It was cool I can't pronounce his name

[00:07:36] Number 11

[00:07:38] Yeah when he scored that second half try

[00:07:40] After the Jack Williams drop ball

[00:07:42] I thought oh hang on

[00:07:44] There's a bit of momentum that could be going Manly's way

[00:07:46] But again the sharks weathered the storm

[00:07:48] And they fought through it

[00:07:49] So great lead into this week

[00:07:51] We don't have any news about injuries

[00:07:54] Just yet but I think Tom might be a bit more serious

[00:07:57] Than what you're letting on

[00:07:58] They're talking MCL

[00:08:00] So we're waiting to hear

[00:08:02] Whether he can play on or not

[00:08:03] It's one of two he can

[00:08:06] Be needle gonna play

[00:08:07] Or he can't so I think similar to the Ronaldo issue

[00:08:10] That he had a month ago

[00:08:12] And Jesse Ramium

[00:08:14] Not putting any scare out there

[00:08:16] I just think he was noted that he came off with an injury

[00:08:19] I think that's a bit less serious

[00:08:21] Than he could play on

[00:08:22] We're waiting to hear about judiciary as well

[00:08:24] So a bit of a TBC on the team

[00:08:26] Just yet

[00:08:27] They did rest Oregon Cofusi

[00:08:30] So that's a straight replacement for Hazelton

[00:08:32] If that would be the case

[00:08:35] And Cofusi comes back in

[00:08:36] Anyway he was rested

[00:08:38] So no dramas there

[00:08:39] I think they said he played every game this year Kieran

[00:08:42] Is that? Yeah

[00:08:42] He played every games had missed one

[00:08:45] So that's good coaching

[00:08:47] We're gonna need him absolutely firing

[00:08:49] To rip into the Melbourne pack

[00:08:52] Let's get into some of the performances

[00:08:54] We touched on

[00:08:56] The halves let's go straight there

[00:08:58] The dominance of both halves

[00:09:00] I mean it evened out in the end stats wise

[00:09:01] Although Trindle had twice the kicks

[00:09:04] So Trindle actually kicked 10 times

[00:09:07] Nico 5

[00:09:09] But I thought

[00:09:09] I thought Nico definitely had more of a presence

[00:09:12] But I thought it evened out as far as

[00:09:14] The dominance

[00:09:15] I don't think Nico overplayed which was incredible

[00:09:18] Didn't need him to as well

[00:09:20] I really think

[00:09:22] Braden Trindle is starting

[00:09:24] To be our guy if he's not already

[00:09:25] Our guy and I don't know why it's taking me all year

[00:09:28] To kind of come to this conclusion

[00:09:29] But he's playing good footy

[00:09:31] That was I think

[00:09:33] Without getting carried away it was probably the best

[00:09:35] I've seen those two actually combine

[00:09:38] Sometimes we can win games

[00:09:40] And you kind of look at the halves

[00:09:42] And you go

[00:09:43] One of them had a good game

[00:09:44] You very rarely get a time where you walk away

[00:09:47] And you go wow both halves were absolutely firing

[00:09:49] And Blake was doing well as well

[00:09:51] So I thought that was probably the most interesting thing to me

[00:09:54] I don't know what changed

[00:09:56] Because again those two have now been playing

[00:09:58] For about two years together

[00:09:59] But I thought attack wise

[00:10:02] That was the best those two guys

[00:10:03] Have looked together in combination

[00:10:06] Not in isolation

[00:10:06] So yeah it's a good time

[00:10:09] Again I think a lot of it comes off the back

[00:10:11] Of what Blake is doing

[00:10:12] I think Blake is in career best form

[00:10:15] It's frustrating because you know

[00:10:16] Why can't we see if it's like that in attack

[00:10:18] Every week from everybody because

[00:10:19] They've obviously got it in them but hey

[00:10:21] The finals are here now it's a new competition

[00:10:23] Let's see what they can do

[00:10:24] I do think a lot of it comes off that forward pack

[00:10:26] If they're not firing the backs

[00:10:28] It turns into sort of Hail Mary stuff

[00:10:30] But I really love the way we're playing on those edges

[00:10:33] And I think against Melbourne that's going to be super handy

[00:10:35] I mean the Ronaldo try

[00:10:37] Where Trindle kind of

[00:10:38] He threw the ball but I think it went to ground

[00:10:40] He picked it up

[00:10:41] And also the Katoa try as well

[00:10:44] Like it doesn't get any closer to the sideline

[00:10:46] Like they really play with fire there

[00:10:48] But it does pay off

[00:10:49] We saw one disallowed

[00:10:52] Try the Katoa but he did get the other one

[00:10:56] Hines was great

[00:10:57] I thought

[00:10:59] I'm never one to criticize Fox

[00:11:01] Because they pay my bills

[00:11:03] And I'm not going to criticize him now

[00:11:05] Because they pay my bills

[00:11:06] But also I thought that the pregame stuff

[00:11:09] Was just a tad intense

[00:11:11] On the Niko

[00:11:14] Storyline

[00:11:14] This is his time

[00:11:17] It's like

[00:11:19] Yeah you're not wrong

[00:11:21] But he can't do it on his own

[00:11:23] Let's cut the guy some slack

[00:11:25] Like let him go do his thing

[00:11:27] But it was very much

[00:11:29] This is his game

[00:11:30] They also spun this is his series

[00:11:33] So I understand that

[00:11:34] But yeah the pressure on him

[00:11:36] Had against manly I was like

[00:11:38] I hope he doesn't muck this up because we won't hear the end of it

[00:11:41] And he didn't he was great

[00:11:42] And he played as we said exactly how he needed to

[00:11:44] He was more involved

[00:11:46] He wasn't over the top

[00:11:47] He wasn't demanding the ball

[00:11:49] The kicks were decent

[00:11:50] Defense was good as far as I could tell

[00:11:53] And

[00:11:54] Attack a lot slicker

[00:11:56] And hopefully week 3 of his comeback

[00:11:58] Is going to be his best next week

[00:12:00] As you said Geldwell with his

[00:12:02] With his halves partner

[00:12:04] And I loved it when they sort of combined together

[00:12:07] As well on the same side that was some trick shots

[00:12:09] Which didn't quite pay off but

[00:12:10] You can see when it

[00:12:12] Will will be really worthwhile

[00:12:14] Forward pack was terrific

[00:12:16] Particularly the back rows

[00:12:17] I mean Britt got all the praise

[00:12:20] And he should he was man of the match

[00:12:22] But Teg was really really good

[00:12:24] He was pretty dominating

[00:12:26] When he's making those runs and just

[00:12:27] His whole his whole I mean both

[00:12:29] Both players all their gameplay was terrific

[00:12:32] Yeah he gave DC

[00:12:34] An absolute buff and DC

[00:12:35] He's been around for a long time

[00:12:37] He's one of the best halves in the competition

[00:12:39] And you don't really see him get his pants pulled down like that

[00:12:42] And Wilton

[00:12:43] Full credit to him he came back firing

[00:12:45] And it's exciting to see

[00:12:47] You know if he can put it all together

[00:12:49] And Nikora is doing what he does on the other side

[00:12:51] And you've also got the siffer factor as well

[00:12:54] Like you've got a lot of options there

[00:12:56] Right with a lot of guys

[00:12:58] That run really hard and run

[00:12:59] Really great lines so

[00:13:01] Again just I'm so happy that both

[00:13:03] Those guys are fit and healthy because

[00:13:05] You know this time last year when we went into that finals game

[00:13:07] We didn't have a healthy

[00:13:10] Team like Wilton wasn't even playing

[00:13:11] We had Wade Graham playing for us at the time

[00:13:13] So yeah both guys are in tremendous form

[00:13:17] And as noted by

[00:13:19] Some of the commentators

[00:13:20] The decoy runs that was running

[00:13:23] Were as important as the actual runs

[00:13:25] With ball in hand like

[00:13:27] His decoy running is so

[00:13:31] Confusing for the opposition

[00:13:32] For the defenders it's awesome

[00:13:34] It's you know NFL like

[00:13:36] It's a well you know

[00:13:37] And that's what creates this space for Katoa right

[00:13:40] Terrific absolutely terrific

[00:13:41] And

[00:13:43] We've already seen some of the Fox promos

[00:13:45] I don't know about Channel I but some of the Fox promos

[00:13:47] They're focusing on Britain this week

[00:13:48] They're not focusing on many others

[00:13:50] That will change with storylines

[00:13:53] But as far as the promo it's all about Britain

[00:13:54] It's pretty exciting actually

[00:13:56] It will be about Nico soon

[00:13:58] It will be and I understand that

[00:14:00] And I'm not looking for him to have a quiet game

[00:14:02] Or to be overrode like he needs to do what they're saying

[00:14:05] I just think that the

[00:14:06] Like we know the storyline

[00:14:08] You don't need to drum it into us

[00:14:10] But anyway that's the media

[00:14:12] Did you see when he kicked the goal from the sideline

[00:14:14] On his second kick

[00:14:15] And then he hit a smile on his face

[00:14:18] That was kind of like

[00:14:20] On back

[00:14:21] He just seemed a little bit more confident

[00:14:25] So again hoping that's the case

[00:14:26] Hoping he is back because we can't do anything

[00:14:29] Without him

[00:14:29] We mentioned it on the post game last night

[00:14:31] That the smile was very evident

[00:14:34] And I hadn't seen him

[00:14:36] Feel that

[00:14:37] And I stress hadn't seen him

[00:14:39] Feel that free, I'm sure he has felt that way

[00:14:41] But I hadn't seen that

[00:14:43] Since he came back

[00:14:44] And even a bit before he was injured

[00:14:47] So hopefully that's a good sign

[00:14:49] And he kicked great 6 out of 7

[00:14:51] Like there were some really tough kicks

[00:14:53] So Craig Fitzgibbon did say

[00:14:55] That he wouldn't be

[00:14:57] Doing the kicking so obviously

[00:14:59] There's been a lot of improvement in that foot injury

[00:15:01] To take over

[00:15:03] In a game where you really didn't need to actually get the two points

[00:15:07] I didn't know that

[00:15:08] So Fitzgibbon said during the week

[00:15:09] That's a huge stone

[00:15:12] He said Nico wouldn't be because of the planting of the foot

[00:15:16] Well that does two things

[00:15:17] One it says that the foot is getting better

[00:15:19] But two it also shows that Nico is stepping up

[00:15:22] And wanting to own those moments

[00:15:23] And not saying let's let Trindle do it

[00:15:25] While I focus on other things

[00:15:27] Nico is saying alright

[00:15:27] It's business end of the season

[00:15:29] Give me the ball and I'll kick 6 from 7

[00:15:32] So you can't really ask for much more than that

[00:15:34] Blake Brailey ran for 50 meters

[00:15:37] He had a tri assist with a nice little kick

[00:15:39] And he was

[00:15:41] Lights out again

[00:15:43] He's running more

[00:15:44] He's engaging the line more

[00:15:45] He's getting some 6 again

[00:15:47] Some penalties and I love everything about his game at the moment

[00:15:51] Yeah and it was interesting

[00:15:53] Because they gave him a bit of a rest

[00:15:55] So Uckerson played there

[00:15:57] For a little bit and so did McInnis

[00:15:58] And you could actually really notice the service difference

[00:16:01] From when Brailey was there

[00:16:02] Some of the passes that Atkinson threw

[00:16:05] Were just not quite on the mark

[00:16:07] But with Blake it always hits the spot

[00:16:09] And you know there was one

[00:16:11] I think where he lost the ball

[00:16:12] When he was trying to go down a short side

[00:16:14] Early in the game but I love that stuff

[00:16:16] Because if he's feeling

[00:16:19] That free and that

[00:16:20] That license to run

[00:16:22] That's when we look our best

[00:16:23] Because our forwards are going forward

[00:16:25] And then he's bringing Nico onto the ball

[00:16:27] And that's when Nico can play like a fullback

[00:16:29] And that's when Nico looks at his best

[00:16:31] So Blake is incredibly important to us

[00:16:34] And I thought he's had a really good year this year

[00:16:36] He has, absolutely

[00:16:38] I don't know what award they're going to give him

[00:16:40] Because if he was player of the year last year

[00:16:42] Then he's way better

[00:16:44] I mean he's got some competition this year

[00:16:47] No doubt

[00:16:48] But he's way better as the point

[00:16:51] Bench was Atkinson

[00:16:52] Williams, Hazelton and Talakai

[00:16:55] We saw

[00:16:57] Hazelton play for 30 minutes

[00:16:59] But he did come off injured

[00:17:00] Jack played for just over half a game

[00:17:02] Atkinson 25 minutes

[00:17:04] First touch scored a try from a kick

[00:17:07] Talakai 35 minutes

[00:17:10] Talakai not grabbing headlines

[00:17:12] But out there getting some minutes

[00:17:14] After having a week off so that was good to see

[00:17:16] How do you feel about the

[00:17:17] Three forward bench one utility

[00:17:21] Even though Atkinson did play as a forward

[00:17:22] Are you cool with that moving forward?

[00:17:25] I think I'm cool with it

[00:17:26] Yeah well I think if Hazelton is out

[00:17:30] I think I'm probably leaning more towards that now

[00:17:34] Hamlin New Welley

[00:17:35] I've always said we need him

[00:17:37] To be fit and firing for us

[00:17:39] But it just doesn't seem like

[00:17:41] He's got to the level that the club wants him at

[00:17:43] Which is why he wasn't picked on the weekend

[00:17:46] So I think in that case

[00:17:48] You kind of look at the opposition

[00:17:49] You look at who you're playing against

[00:17:50] I think having Atkinson on the bench

[00:17:52] Gives you so many options

[00:17:53] He can play hook up, full back

[00:17:55] Lock, centre, wing

[00:17:56] He can play anywhere really

[00:17:58] So having him on the bench does give you that level of comfort

[00:18:03] But I just don't know

[00:18:05] Because sometimes I do like that power game

[00:18:06] But then you also do face the fact

[00:18:09] Of do we have too much like for like

[00:18:11] And if we're just

[00:18:13] Defending like we were against the Warriors

[00:18:15] We need something to change up a little bit

[00:18:17] Right and so we kept putting on the big guys

[00:18:19] But there's no point having a Hamlin New Welley

[00:18:21] Out there just to defend the 15 minutes

[00:18:23] We don't have the ball right

[00:18:25] So I think that's going to be an interesting way

[00:18:27] That we play it but

[00:18:28] I did have a little chuckle to myself

[00:18:31] You know Jack Williams scores that try

[00:18:32] Under the post and it's like alright as you feel good moment

[00:18:35] And then he drops the ball

[00:18:37] Off to play the ball and then they score

[00:18:39] So I was just thinking of the mail bag

[00:18:40] And how much the internet was going to melt down on that one

[00:18:43] It didn't melt down but

[00:18:44] We read out some stats last night on the post game

[00:18:47] And it was something like

[00:18:49] At that moment when he dropped the ball

[00:18:51] He'd already run for 120 meters

[00:18:54] He had a line break

[00:18:55] He'd made 25 tackles

[00:18:58] He did a lot of work

[00:18:59] And then he made an error

[00:19:02] Which he can't be doing

[00:19:03] Like none of them can make errors as simple as that

[00:19:05] And they scored from that

[00:19:08] Set

[00:19:09] So

[00:19:11] Costly but also

[00:19:13] You need to look at that in relation to everything else

[00:19:17] And it's a tough one

[00:19:18] Because it's Jack but I mean

[00:19:21] I'm just looking at the error list here

[00:19:25] Gatoa made an error

[00:19:26] Miltale made an error

[00:19:28] Heins made an error

[00:19:29] Bradley made an error

[00:19:31] Wilton made two

[00:19:32] McInnes made one

[00:19:33] Jack made one

[00:19:34] It's just that we can't defend once when Jack drops them

[00:19:38] So

[00:19:40] It's not good

[00:19:41] I'm not making light of it in the sense of

[00:19:44] It's all good

[00:19:45] Don't be doing it

[00:19:48] It's interesting about Wilton having two

[00:19:49] Because I didn't even remember that Wilton dropped the ball twice

[00:19:52] So there you go

[00:19:53] That's right

[00:19:54] Jack has that stereotype

[00:19:57] And it's up to him to change it

[00:19:58] He did change it for a while in a lot of our eyes

[00:20:00] Because he had a whole season without it

[00:20:02] And killed it

[00:20:04] And he's still killing it

[00:20:05] But I think if it becomes

[00:20:07] Like every game

[00:20:09] And then we can see it every game

[00:20:11] Say he signs on next year and it's like

[00:20:13] 20 games of it, we might have a big problem

[00:20:15] But I don't think at the moment

[00:20:17] It's a problem

[00:20:19] It's just something he needs to fix up

[00:20:21] And we've seen him fix it up historically

[00:20:23] Yeah, and I mean the club really rates

[00:20:25] What he does from a defensive standpoint as well

[00:20:27] Right? So he brings a lot to the team

[00:20:29] That is not just about the meters that he makes

[00:20:32] And all that type of stuff, right?

[00:20:33] So he definitely has a place in the 17 at the moment

[00:20:36] It's just if he could eliminate those

[00:20:38] Drop balls

[00:20:40] It would just make everyone's life a lot easier

[00:20:41] Including my dogs who hear me scream

[00:20:44] Every time he drops the ball

[00:20:45] Yes, Bench of Atkinson, Williams, Hazelton, Talakai

[00:20:50] They all did a job which is great

[00:20:53] And

[00:20:54] That was the game against

[00:20:56] Manly

[00:20:56] We rock into Melbourne this Saturday

[00:20:59] 4 o'clock

[00:21:00] And it's going to be

[00:21:03] A bell ringer, it's going to be awesome

[00:21:05] I mean such a great history with these guys

[00:21:08] Over a short, you know

[00:21:09] Over 20 years, great history

[00:21:11] We have some form there

[00:21:13] I mean as recent as this year

[00:21:15] What are your initial thoughts

[00:21:17] Going into the game, Kieran

[00:21:19] How do you

[00:21:20] I really wish we didn't win earlier this year

[00:21:23] Down in Melbourne because I think the idea

[00:21:25] Of going down there twice and doing it

[00:21:27] Twice to Melbourne

[00:21:28] In Melbourne in the same season

[00:21:31] Like there's not many teams that would have that on their resume

[00:21:34] So my expectations going into this game

[00:21:37] Are nerves because

[00:21:38] Again I really do think Melbourne is a really good side

[00:21:41] I think that

[00:21:43] On our day we can beat Melbourne

[00:21:45] But I don't walk in there

[00:21:47] With supreme confidence

[00:21:48] I'm sure within the sharks 4 walls

[00:21:49] That have supreme confidence that they will go down there and do a job

[00:21:52] But I think now is the time for the club

[00:21:55] To really buy into this mentality of

[00:21:57] Nobody expects us to do this

[00:21:59] Nobody rates us, let's go down to Melbourne

[00:22:01] And let's do an ambush

[00:22:02] The way to get an ambush done is to dominate

[00:22:05] By the forwards and we do have a forward

[00:22:07] Pack if we hold the ball

[00:22:08] That can get on top of teams

[00:22:10] And they did it earlier this year against

[00:22:13] Against Melbourne

[00:22:14] So let's see how they go

[00:22:16] I wish we weren't playing Melbourne

[00:22:19] But hey that's just me

[00:22:21] So the recent form looking at it

[00:22:22] Actually isn't as amazing

[00:22:24] As what we might think

[00:22:26] They've won 6 of the past 8

[00:22:28] But we've won 2 of the past 3

[00:22:31] So

[00:22:32] The one that we lost they bet us like 50

[00:22:35] Down there right? They did

[00:22:36] So round 22

[00:22:39] Sorry

[00:22:40] 2022 round 17

[00:22:42] At Shark Park on a Thursday

[00:22:44] We whipped them 28-6

[00:22:46] We then go down to Melbourne round 15

[00:22:49] Last year lose 54-10

[00:22:51] Memorable game of the year

[00:22:52] And then this year

[00:22:55] Round 10 of course we beat them 25-18

[00:22:58] So good recent form

[00:23:00] But overall

[00:23:02] Not amazing

[00:23:03] And at Amy Park

[00:23:05] We've won 3 of 15

[00:23:07] The 3 have come

[00:23:08] Since 2017

[00:23:10] So it's 1, 2, 3

[00:23:13] So with 3 wins 5 losses

[00:23:15] Since 2017

[00:23:17] So still not great

[00:23:18] Prior to 2024

[00:23:20] Round 11

[00:23:22] Round 10 I should say

[00:23:23] We lost 1 in 2018

[00:23:25] So again

[00:23:27] Historically not amazing

[00:23:28] But 2 of the past 3 against them in total

[00:23:30] Is not a bad thing

[00:23:31] I think that stuffs out the window for the team

[00:23:34] I'm just talking about it for our listeners and viewers

[00:23:37] I'm with you about the ambush

[00:23:39] I think that Melbourne know it's coming

[00:23:41] I think everyone knows it's coming

[00:23:43] But you have to do it

[00:23:45] And

[00:23:46] They'll have their own ambush

[00:23:47] They'll be ready to rock Melbourne

[00:23:50] It's more about us trying to

[00:23:52] Turn that tide

[00:23:54] And definitely play on the fact that no one

[00:23:57] Thinks we can do it

[00:23:58] Although I don't know if everyone is saying that completely

[00:24:01] But I think by the time we get there

[00:24:04] People will be tipping Melbourne

[00:24:05] Rather than us

[00:24:06] They'll be paying $1.10 surely to beat us

[00:24:08] Like they'll be heavy favourites

[00:24:10] They'll be heavy favourites

[00:24:11] I don't think it'll be that heavy

[00:24:12] I think it'll be something like

[00:24:15] I'm not an expert in this stuff

[00:24:16] But I think it'll be more like

[00:24:17] $1.50 to $2.80 kind of business

[00:24:21] You know?

[00:24:22] Just because this year we've been okay

[00:24:25] And we beat them

[00:24:26] And I could be wrong about that

[00:24:28] But I would definitely be playing on the

[00:24:31] Us against the world

[00:24:32] I've said this a few times now

[00:24:33] I would be throwing every single freaking thing

[00:24:36] At them

[00:24:37] Like do not leave anything in the tank

[00:24:39] Whether it's coaching, whether it's playing

[00:24:41] Whether it's selection

[00:24:42] It is

[00:24:44] You get the job done and you one step away

[00:24:47] So

[00:24:49] I would be playing that

[00:24:51] Canberra game from 2016

[00:24:53] On repeat on the screens

[00:24:54] In the gym at the Charks

[00:24:56] And wherever they go just keep playing it

[00:24:59] Matt Pryor everywhere

[00:25:01] Just photos of Matt Pryor on every single

[00:25:02] Everywhere you look, a photo of Matt Pryor

[00:25:04] Wade Graham going down

[00:25:05] Paul Gellin in hospital, the whole thing

[00:25:07] Just go for it. Maloney, Ennis doing the clap

[00:25:10] Like, well that's not as important

[00:25:12] But just I would really

[00:25:14] Spend an hour on that game

[00:25:16] This is what everyone thought

[00:25:18] This is what happened

[00:25:19] You guys want to be spoken like this

[00:25:21] You got to go do a job

[00:25:22] It's gonna be a challenge

[00:25:24] It's gonna be an uphill battle

[00:25:25] It's not impossible

[00:25:26] If we play to our potential

[00:25:28] We can do it

[00:25:29] Absolutely

[00:25:32] I'm excited man

[00:25:34] I don't

[00:25:35] Fear the big

[00:25:37] Smashing like last year for example

[00:25:40] I'm not saying it can't happen

[00:25:41] I don't see that happening

[00:25:43] I think we're gonna be up for it

[00:25:46] If they're not up for it then we got major issues

[00:25:48] I think on paper

[00:25:50] We can go there

[00:25:52] Got to play to our best though

[00:25:54] Because some of their key guys are just unbelievable

[00:25:57] But I think where we do get them is that

[00:25:59] All 17 of our guys are of a certain standard

[00:26:02] I think when it comes to the storm

[00:26:04] Some of the guys

[00:26:05] They're certainly not bad players

[00:26:07] By any means, but a guy

[00:26:09] And I'm picking him out of a heart

[00:26:11] A guy like Nick Meany for example

[00:26:12] He's been unbelievable for them

[00:26:15] But you wouldn't say he's an unbelievable player

[00:26:17] And there's a few guys in there

[00:26:19] Some guys in the forward park

[00:26:20] Who I kind of rate the same

[00:26:22] And again they can win the game for him

[00:26:24] So I'm not dissing them

[00:26:27] I'm not dismissing them

[00:26:28] I'm not being critical

[00:26:29] I'm saying if you take your pappenhausen

[00:26:33] Obviously how you go around the halves are unbelievable

[00:26:35] Like if you take the spine out I guess I'm saying

[00:26:37] And you are left with some big boppers

[00:26:39] But the rest of it is kind of manageable

[00:26:41] So

[00:26:42] Whereas our guys

[00:26:44] Mostly won the 17

[00:26:45] We rate them all pretty highly

[00:26:48] They all play to a certain level every week

[00:26:50] As a team so

[00:26:51] That's what it's going to take

[00:26:53] And I do think if the forwards can win that battle

[00:26:55] It's going to go a long, long way

[00:26:58] And then it's just

[00:26:59] Simple things pressure on

[00:27:01] The kickers, you know

[00:27:02] Kick, chase all that kind of stuff

[00:27:04] It's going to come down to our back five

[00:27:05] Our back five and our forward pack

[00:27:07] Really have to set the standard

[00:27:08] And then our halves have to put them in the right positions

[00:27:10] To take advantage of that

[00:27:12] So that storm team has got

[00:27:15] A crazy spine

[00:27:16] They're so good

[00:27:17] But to your point

[00:27:18] I think our back five can get over there

[00:27:21] And I think our forward pack could get over there

[00:27:24] It's just their spine is ridiculous

[00:27:26] If you were to

[00:27:28] Do like a fantasy draft

[00:27:30] And you got those players in your fantasy draft

[00:27:32] People would complain that you got all those guys

[00:27:35] Jerome Hughes

[00:27:36] He may not reach

[00:27:38] Cooper-Cronk levels

[00:27:39] But he's trending the same way that

[00:27:42] Cooper-Cronk trended in his career

[00:27:44] That's how probably underrated he is

[00:27:46] At this point in time

[00:27:47] Even though people rate him like he's that good

[00:27:50] We know about the other guys

[00:27:51] They're unbelievable

[00:27:52] I'm assuming Papenhausen's going to be fit

[00:27:54] But even if he's not, that Falongo

[00:27:58] He's insane as well

[00:27:59] Thankfully I believe he's not playing

[00:28:01] We won't see it till tomorrow

[00:28:02] But I believe he's injured

[00:28:06] Papenhausen

[00:28:07] He's had some injuries

[00:28:08] But he's a quality player

[00:28:10] And Munster is the guy that always gets us

[00:28:13] And Munster outside of Niko

[00:28:14] Has been done at club level

[00:28:16] Has been done at state of origin level

[00:28:18] So Niko's going to really have a huge game defense

[00:28:20] Of the only hands because those two are great mates

[00:28:22] And what do you like to do with your mates

[00:28:24] You like to mess with them, right?

[00:28:26] So you know Munster's going to be going for him

[00:28:28] There's no tomorrow

[00:28:29] I think that's going to be a huge thing

[00:28:32] For Niko but again

[00:28:34] To stop that it's got to be physical

[00:28:36] So again it's going to play into that

[00:28:38] Ambush mentality of

[00:28:40] Everyone's going to be aggressive

[00:28:41] Everyone's going to go for it because

[00:28:43] For us if we can win this game somehow

[00:28:45] And get a week off, you're 80 minutes away from a grand final

[00:28:48] Unbelievable, yeah

[00:28:49] Like the carrot is there

[00:28:51] I think that's where you use your

[00:28:52] Not necessarily mobile pack but your fit pack

[00:28:56] So if Hamlin Welley's under a doubt

[00:28:58] Well, sorry

[00:29:00] If Tall Tom's under a doubt

[00:29:02] I don't think so

[00:29:03] You can't be carrying guys in week one

[00:29:06] Of the finals unless

[00:29:08] There is no one to replace them or it's absolutely

[00:29:10] Necessary, you just can't

[00:29:11] We saw it last year with the Roosters game

[00:29:13] We were busted going into that

[00:29:15] And even the year before that after we played the Cowboys

[00:29:18] There were so many injuries people were busted

[00:29:21] And the team we put out

[00:29:22] Against Souths

[00:29:24] It was not the sharks

[00:29:26] That we were expecting right

[00:29:27] So that's why I get a little bit annoyed when people talk about the finals record

[00:29:29] And things like that because no excuses

[00:29:31] They should have definitely won against the Roosters last year

[00:29:33] But that was a busted team

[00:29:35] Will Kennedy I don't think was playing

[00:29:37] Wilton wasn't there, Siffer was

[00:29:39] In all sorts right

[00:29:40] So this is the time where we're actually fit

[00:29:43] It's the fittest we've been with Fitzgibbon at this time of the year

[00:29:46] And let's not rule out the Fitzgibbon factor

[00:29:49] I mean he

[00:29:51] A is under a lot of pressure

[00:29:52] Probably from all levels

[00:29:54] But B, he's a guy that takes so much pride

[00:29:57] And what he does

[00:29:59] And him

[00:29:59] I've heard him say it, him losing

[00:30:02] Does not sit well

[00:30:03] Week to week

[00:30:04] If he'd lost yesterday against Manly by two points

[00:30:06] He would have been very annoyed

[00:30:08] You don't necessarily see it in his persona

[00:30:10] You won't hear it at the press conference

[00:30:12] He's not a guy that likes losing

[00:30:13] And he has a reputation now

[00:30:15] For a guy that can't coach a team in the finals

[00:30:18] And he

[00:30:19] I don't think he'd be desperate to shake that

[00:30:21] Because he within himself knows what you're saying

[00:30:24] Like they're better than that

[00:30:26] He's better than that

[00:30:26] But it's still one of those pride things

[00:30:29] Where you really want to rub it in the face

[00:30:31] On Saturday at eight o'clock

[00:30:32] And go, you know what? You said we couldn't win a finals game

[00:30:35] Well look who we just knocked off

[00:30:36] So I think we shouldn't rule out the Fitzgibbon factor

[00:30:39] In this as well

[00:30:40] He's had a pretty good season coaching

[00:30:41] He's done some things that we didn't think we would see

[00:30:44] And some nice changes

[00:30:45] And some corrections

[00:30:47] Of the way he's coached in the past

[00:30:49] So I think he's going to play a big role

[00:30:52] As well coming up against Bellamy

[00:30:55] Probably the greatest of all time

[00:30:57] So that's going to be a fascinating

[00:31:00] Storyline

[00:31:02] And I'm pretty pumped

[00:31:03] We've got a lot of listeners who are going down to the game

[00:31:06] Which is awesome

[00:31:07] We've got a lot of listeners in Melbourne

[00:31:08] Who are already

[00:31:11] Ready to go

[00:31:12] They've got the pre-game ready

[00:31:13] They've got the post-game ready

[00:31:15] So it's an exciting time

[00:31:17] And as much as you dread a trip to Melbourne

[00:31:19] To play these guys

[00:31:21] This is what it is

[00:31:22] Let's go for it

[00:31:23] Let's embrace it

[00:31:24] The team's going to embrace it

[00:31:27] I think as fans we need to embrace it as well

[00:31:28] It doesn't mean you're going with blind hope

[00:31:30] But it's a winnable game

[00:31:32] We've won in round 10

[00:31:35] For the guys like Nakora

[00:31:37] The guys that have been with this club now

[00:31:40] For a few years that have came through the 20s

[00:31:42] And all that type of stuff

[00:31:43] They haven't experienced that final success

[00:31:45] Because I just don't think we've been in the position

[00:31:47] To have that success

[00:31:48] Again, I am

[00:31:52] Not 100%

[00:31:53] That we're going to win this game

[00:31:55] I do have my concerns about it

[00:31:56] But I do see a world where they buy into

[00:32:00] That mentality

[00:32:01] And a guy like Britain can carry us

[00:32:03] To a big win out forwards will step up

[00:32:05] And I can see this

[00:32:07] Chatting next week and saying

[00:32:09] Wow, they actually did it

[00:32:10] And they put everything into it

[00:32:12] Because again, this is a club that's got a lot of frustrations

[00:32:14] They've had a lot of annoyances

[00:32:15] They've had some false starts with the finals in the past

[00:32:18] And now's the chance for them to shock the world

[00:32:20] And if they do that

[00:32:21] You then send Melbourne and Penrith

[00:32:24] On the same side of the draw

[00:32:25] Assuming Penrith beats the Roosters

[00:32:27] So that completely blows open the entire competition

[00:32:29] And when you do that

[00:32:31] You also get a week off

[00:32:33] So if they can't be up for this

[00:32:35] Then I have no doubts that they will be up for it

[00:32:38] You're never going to be up for it

[00:32:39] Yes, the bounce back factor

[00:32:42] If they lose this game and then they play

[00:32:43] I think it's either Manly or the Dogs

[00:32:45] I think they get the winner of that

[00:32:47] It's not the same

[00:32:48] You just have to put everything into this week

[00:32:51] And try and get that week off because it has so much value

[00:32:54] Actually, we might need to pause on who we play

[00:32:57] Because I think it might be the other side

[00:32:58] There you go

[00:32:59] I think it's Cowboys Knights

[00:33:01] Either way, week two is a super winnable game

[00:33:04] Compared to week one

[00:33:05] But you don't want to be in that position

[00:33:07] Where you're playing that week two game

[00:33:08] You want the week off and you want to send Melbin

[00:33:10] Over to the Penrith side of the draw

[00:33:12] Ideally

[00:33:13] You probably would get the Roosters

[00:33:15] If they can make their way through that side of the draw

[00:33:18] Because I mean

[00:33:19] You can make the argument that

[00:33:21] It's all about cohesion

[00:33:23] And performance this time of the year

[00:33:25] Of course it is

[00:33:27] It's also about being fit

[00:33:29] And not hurt

[00:33:31] And that week off is crucial

[00:33:33] In so many ways

[00:33:34] It's because you get a step closer

[00:33:36] You got a foot in the door of the Grand Final

[00:33:38] It's because you get the rest players

[00:33:41] Players can prepare

[00:33:43] For the week

[00:33:44] For the next game

[00:33:47] We've all been there from time to time

[00:33:49] In our life

[00:33:50] Unless you're probably a newer, younger listener

[00:33:53] Viewer

[00:33:53] But we've experienced the week off and it's a beautiful thing

[00:33:57] So...

[00:33:57] It's the confidence too right

[00:33:59] And when we had the week off in 2016

[00:34:01] The Sharks

[00:34:02] Got the winner of the Cowboys and Broncos

[00:34:05] The Cowboys and Broncos went to extra time

[00:34:07] And they beat the crap out of each other

[00:34:09] And then when we got

[00:34:11] The Cowboys, we were fresh

[00:34:13] And that first half was one of the most

[00:34:15] Fun halves of football I've ever had in football

[00:34:17] I think we put like 20 points on

[00:34:18] Right out the gates right and just blew them off the park

[00:34:21] So again

[00:34:23] This is the time where if you're ever going to be positive

[00:34:25] If you're ever going to dream of something

[00:34:26] Now's the time, it's September

[00:34:28] Like if you don't believe in it now

[00:34:31] You've got to

[00:34:32] You've got to believe right? I'm not 100%

[00:34:34] That they're going to win this game

[00:34:35] But hey, I can see a pass to victory

[00:34:37] I can see it and I want it

[00:34:39] I'm really hoping that they get it done

[00:34:41] Craig Fitzgibbon brought up some good points

[00:34:43] I should say it was brought up by reporters

[00:34:45] In the press conference and then he addressed it

[00:34:47] And it's the fact that they are a top 14

[00:34:49] You know, and you can talk about past losses

[00:34:52] You can talk about

[00:34:53] Going on a massive winning streak this year

[00:34:55] And then falling out of that and then coming back into it

[00:34:58] And then a few blemishes

[00:34:59] Like, but they're a top 14

[00:35:01] They've been there all year

[00:35:02] They've been a top four team more or less for three years under his guidance

[00:35:05] They deserve to be there

[00:35:07] Which is the first thing they deserve to be there

[00:35:09] And they're not

[00:35:11] In my opinion, worlds away

[00:35:13] From the other three teams

[00:35:15] Above them, like you could

[00:35:17] There's an absolute fair argument to say

[00:35:19] Well, where we sit is where we sit

[00:35:21] That's where we stand

[00:35:23] Currently, it's correct

[00:35:24] But we're not that far away and as you pointed out before we went on air

[00:35:27] We're actually

[00:35:28] In our opinion, quite above

[00:35:31] 5th to 8th

[00:35:32] As far as how good we are

[00:35:35] The dreaming and the hoping is great

[00:35:36] But it's also not unrealistic

[00:35:37] We've seen our club do it before

[00:35:40] Yeah, it's a massive thing to do again in Melbourne

[00:35:42] Teams have beaten Melbourne before

[00:35:45] Especially in finals down there

[00:35:46] The Warriors did it, like we've seen them do it

[00:35:48] So you have to be on

[00:35:50] It's not going to be pretty, it's not going to be easy

[00:35:53] It's not going to be a

[00:35:54] A massive

[00:35:56] Margin

[00:35:57] When we win, it could be really, really painful to watch

[00:36:00] Until we get that win

[00:36:02] But that's what the finals do to you

[00:36:04] And

[00:36:06] It's there to be taken

[00:36:07] And I have no doubt

[00:36:09] That the club, including Nico Hines

[00:36:12] Are very confident in their abilities

[00:36:14] I have no doubt in my mind

[00:36:16] Like you can write to us

[00:36:18] And tell us about Nico's mental state

[00:36:19] And you can write to us and tell us about Fitties finals records

[00:36:22] And we encourage you to do it

[00:36:24] SharkHousePotterGmail.com

[00:36:25] You can DM us, but I'm telling you right now

[00:36:28] This team will be ready to rock

[00:36:30] And for whatever reason

[00:36:32] If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen

[00:36:34] But we're not going to get

[00:36:35] We're not going to address that until

[00:36:38] Full time of that game

[00:36:40] Because we're playing to win

[00:36:41] As you said, if you can't be

[00:36:44] If you can't be up for this as a fan

[00:36:46] Right now, I don't know what to say

[00:36:48] Like, I'm not saying you're in the wrong

[00:36:51] But

[00:36:52] I

[00:36:53] You and I spend a lot of time

[00:36:55] As do a lot of our listeners and viewers

[00:36:57] On this team, we study them

[00:36:59] We watch them, we support them

[00:37:01] In all matters of the word

[00:37:02] It doesn't mean that you and I for example

[00:37:05] Think we're going to win every single week

[00:37:06] Because that's not the case

[00:37:07] This week, we're saying we can win

[00:37:10] If we play to our full strength and our ability

[00:37:13] Maybe you need something to go your way

[00:37:14] I don't know what the difference is going to be

[00:37:16] But it's completely doable

[00:37:17] And if you're not believing that at the moment

[00:37:19] Maybe just start to try

[00:37:21] Because your week will be a lot more enjoyable

[00:37:25] Than

[00:37:26] Sitting on the edge of your lounge going

[00:37:29] We can't do it, we can't do it

[00:37:31] We're going to drop the ball, Jack's going to drop the ball

[00:37:32] We can't, like, that's not fine

[00:37:34] You've got to embrace it, like they're going to embrace it

[00:37:36] So we should all right now

[00:37:38] When I say I'm not confident

[00:37:40] That we're going to win this game

[00:37:41] But I can see a path to us winning that game

[00:37:43] I think that's kind of just

[00:37:46] I try and have a reality view on this team

[00:37:48] And where we sit, and we do sit

[00:37:50] I think we're the second best defensive team in the comp

[00:37:52] Is that the case? I think I read that somewhere yesterday

[00:37:55] I'll have a look for you, I thought

[00:37:55] But right now, like we sit in the top four

[00:37:59] We've been embedded in the top four

[00:38:00] We are better than a lot of the other teams

[00:38:02] That are out there, yes there is a gap

[00:38:04] Between the Storm and Panthers in my belief

[00:38:06] To the roosters and sharks

[00:38:07] So I think that they're in a different category to us

[00:38:10] But on our day, they can step it up

[00:38:12] And they can get things done

[00:38:13] If there was ever a storyline to be written

[00:38:15] Around, you know, a siege mentality

[00:38:17] Nobody rates us, there's no perfect

[00:38:19] Place to go besides Melbourne

[00:38:21] Like, that is the most perfect spot for us to be

[00:38:24] Going down to Melbourne

[00:38:25] It's the last time they're going to get on the plane

[00:38:27] For the season, there's no more away games

[00:38:29] Outside of Sydney after this week

[00:38:32] There is so much that they could put into this

[00:38:34] And the narrative and even

[00:38:35] All the stuff around Nico and all the noise around Nico

[00:38:38] This is the perfect chance for him

[00:38:39] To step up and to ice those moments

[00:38:41] And if he can do it

[00:38:44] He's going to feel bulletproof, right?

[00:38:46] If Nico can bleed us to a victory

[00:38:47] In Melbourne, in the finals

[00:38:49] And sign up some of those doubters

[00:38:52] Then you've got Nico

[00:38:53] Who's going to be super confident

[00:38:55] Who's 80 minutes away from a grand final

[00:38:57] So that's the part of me that goes

[00:38:59] Alright, do I believe that Nico

[00:39:01] Is a million dollar player?

[00:39:02] I do believe he's a million dollar player, right?

[00:39:06] He can get the job done

[00:39:07] So, you know, fingers crossed

[00:39:09] It happens, but um, yeah

[00:39:11] It's going to be tough

[00:39:11] You know what would be great is if

[00:39:13] And I said it on the show last night

[00:39:15] If he didn't have to be that player this week

[00:39:17] If we just get the job done and he's

[00:39:19] 8 out of 10, he's awesome

[00:39:22] But there's no need for

[00:39:24] A clutch moment, like we just get the job done

[00:39:26] He gets more confident

[00:39:27] You know what I mean? Like I just think that

[00:39:29] I'm not giving him

[00:39:32] Extra treatment or

[00:39:34] Saying don't go hard on him or whatever

[00:39:36] But I think even I

[00:39:37] As one of his bigger fans

[00:39:39] I'm just so sick of this narrative

[00:39:42] But I also understand it

[00:39:43] Like, I understand it but also

[00:39:45] There's 16 other dudes

[00:39:47] They're not on his money but there's 16 other dudes

[00:39:50] To do a job

[00:39:50] And everybody goes through those moments

[00:39:53] Of self-doubt and all those type of things

[00:39:55] Right? And I think because

[00:39:57] Nico has been so open and honest about it

[00:39:59] And trying to help other people

[00:40:00] It's kind of made him a target

[00:40:02] So you know, everyone

[00:40:04] The littlest thing can happen like a drop ball

[00:40:07] And everyone will just go

[00:40:08] How's Nico going to deal with that?

[00:40:09] That should not be the reaction to it

[00:40:12] It should be okay to drop ball

[00:40:13] Unless it's Jack Williams because if it's

[00:40:16] Jack Williams you're going to burn your house down

[00:40:17] But

[00:40:19] Is that an AEW reference?

[00:40:21] Whose house?

[00:40:22] Swarov's house

[00:40:23] I did watch AEW yesterday

[00:40:24] I was a really good player

[00:40:25] I won't say anything

[00:40:28] I won't say anything but it was just a good show

[00:40:31] But yeah, look, Nico

[00:40:32] The moment's there for him, right?

[00:40:33] So I can see your point where it'd be nice

[00:40:35] Where he doesn't have to ice a moment

[00:40:36] And just get through the game

[00:40:37] And we win comfortably

[00:40:39] Realistically, I just can't see that

[00:40:40] Happening in Melbourne

[00:40:41] So what I would just like to see from Nico

[00:40:43] Is you know, good defensive game

[00:40:45] Good kicking game

[00:40:46] Good goal kicking

[00:40:48] And let's see where it all ends

[00:40:49] Because he does have it in him

[00:40:51] If we play well as a team

[00:40:52] Then Nico's going to be at the forefront of that

[00:40:54] So defensively, second best

[00:40:56] As in, fewest points conceded

[00:40:59] So Penroth conceded 16.5 points per game

[00:41:02] We're at 18

[00:41:02] So level with the ball log

[00:41:04] So equal second

[00:41:05] We've conceded the third fewest tries

[00:41:08] Fifth fewest line breaks

[00:41:10] About sixth fewest missed tackles

[00:41:13] But as far as points conceded

[00:41:15] Which is the biggest one

[00:41:16] Second equal second best

[00:41:19] With attack

[00:41:20] We are

[00:41:22] Right around Melbourne

[00:41:24] We're fourth best

[00:41:26] For most points

[00:41:28] They average almost 29

[00:41:30] We're around 27

[00:41:31] So not too bad there

[00:41:33] We both score around 5 tries per game

[00:41:36] Which is just under the roosters

[00:41:38] We have the second most tackle bus

[00:41:41] So going pretty good there

[00:41:43] Probably need to see some improvement in the completions

[00:41:45] Where

[00:41:47] Sitting at 10th best

[00:41:48] At around 80%

[00:41:50] But having said that

[00:41:51] Melbourne is below us in 11th

[00:41:52] So sometimes the completion rate thing is a little bit

[00:41:55] Of a hard stat to read

[00:41:57] Although I will say we have the worst

[00:41:59] Incompletion rate in our own half

[00:42:01] So that we need to improve on

[00:42:03] Yeah well those stats

[00:42:05] If you read out those stats at the start of the season

[00:42:07] And say look the sharks will finish

[00:42:08] The second best defense

[00:42:09] Only two points behind

[00:42:11] Penroth in points conceded per game

[00:42:13] They'll score the same amount of points

[00:42:15] As Melbourne do every week

[00:42:16] Like you would be stoked with those

[00:42:18] Those stats

[00:42:19] And again I'm not trying to be fluffy

[00:42:22] But there is a world where this team

[00:42:25] Can put it together

[00:42:26] And get it done in 80 minutes

[00:42:27] We haven't seen it yet

[00:42:28] But if you look at the numbers

[00:42:29] You look at the stats

[00:42:30] They are really close to doing something special

[00:42:33] And that's why I'm really excited

[00:42:34] About getting Canil Blake

[00:42:35] Because I think he is the basic piece for us

[00:42:37] But we don't have him yet

[00:42:38] So we'll be guys that we've got

[00:42:40] There's a job to do

[00:42:41] We are conceding the second most penalties

[00:42:45] About six per game

[00:42:48] That's not surprising

[00:42:48] But having said that

[00:42:49] A team above us

[00:42:50] Is conceding the most in the roosters

[00:42:51] So again

[00:42:52] Obviously they can be costly

[00:42:54] But and you need to improve on that

[00:42:56] But having said that

[00:42:57] The Gold Coast have the fewest

[00:42:58] So it doesn't really mean

[00:43:00] A lot sometimes

[00:43:01] You know what I mean

[00:43:01] Well for example

[00:43:02] The teams conceding the fewest penalties

[00:43:06] None of them in the top five are successful

[00:43:09] So Gold Coast, Brisbane, Dragons

[00:43:11] Canberra Warriors

[00:43:13] And what it all comes down to

[00:43:14] It's holding players down in the rocket

[00:43:16] And doing those sort of things

[00:43:17] And winning the wrestle

[00:43:18] And all that battle

[00:43:19] So it's not a surprise

[00:43:20] That the roosters and sharks

[00:43:22] Are those two most penalised teams

[00:43:24] Because again

[00:43:24] There are two teams that like to control the run

[00:43:27] Now we're going to do Random Shark of the Week

[00:43:29] I expect you to get this in one go

[00:43:32] Because we don't have a lot of time

[00:43:34] To play with

[00:43:36] But we're going to do

[00:43:37] Random Shark of the Week

[00:43:38] He was born in 1981

[00:43:41] Probably similar to when you were born I imagine

[00:43:46] He weighed at the time

[00:43:48] Over 110 kilograms

[00:43:51] When he was born

[00:43:53] No, at the time

[00:43:54] That's a good point

[00:43:55] At the time of his birth

[00:43:55] At the time of playing

[00:43:57] He weighed over 100 kilograms

[00:44:00] This shark played one year for us

[00:44:04] And it was in my least favourite year

[00:44:06] Of all time

[00:44:08] Both in life and in sharks

[00:44:10] This is 2003, right?

[00:44:12] You call it whatever you want

[00:44:14] Three games

[00:44:16] All three games were off the bench

[00:44:18] He had one win, two losses

[00:44:21] He played against the Broncos

[00:44:22] The Dragons and the Storm

[00:44:24] Two games at Shark Park

[00:44:26] One at QE2 Stadium

[00:44:30] He in height

[00:44:32] Was around 196 centimetres

[00:44:35] 196 centimetres

[00:44:37] He debuted

[00:44:39] In around one of 2003

[00:44:43] Alright

[00:44:43] Very memorable game

[00:44:45] I remember it so well

[00:44:48] Because it started so well

[00:44:49] We were so close the year before in 2002

[00:44:52] And then there was Smacking Melbourne

[00:44:54] And then all of a sudden this bike

[00:44:55] Called Billy Slater just decided

[00:44:57] To become an immortal

[00:44:58] Three games

[00:45:00] Junior club

[00:45:03] Milton, Bulldogs

[00:45:05] I think I need a little bit more though

[00:45:07] I don't have too much more as far as playing goes

[00:45:10] Did he play for any other clubs?

[00:45:12] I don't even have any kind of

[00:45:15] Cup information here

[00:45:16] So one could say

[00:45:19] That he dedicated his

[00:45:23] Post career

[00:45:24] To a different world

[00:45:27] Went on to do some other things

[00:45:29] Now I'm thinking he's into like psychedelics and stuff

[00:45:33] Getting closer

[00:45:34] He's very tall

[00:45:37] Oh, Sean Wessels

[00:45:39] Sean Wessel is our random player

[00:45:42] Of the week

[00:45:44] Tall Sean as he's now known

[00:45:47] Out there fokin' it up

[00:45:49] I think we re-signed him after 2003 as well

[00:45:52] For 2004 but

[00:45:54] Yeah they don't have to be played

[00:45:55] But yeah he got another contract with us I think

[00:45:56] Well we're gonna tag him on this

[00:45:58] And he can jump on and tell us about his

[00:46:00] Shark's career

[00:46:01] Cause we love Tall Sean

[00:46:02] Great musician

[00:46:04] Seen playing around the traps

[00:46:07] And definitely

[00:46:09] Part of the folklore that was 2003

[00:46:13] So random player of the week

[00:46:14] Sean we send our love and respect to you

[00:46:17] Hope you're doing well

[00:46:18] Great to see you out there playing so much

[00:46:22] Here I'm gonna get out of here my friend

[00:46:24] Time to get ready for a

[00:46:26] Finals week one game

[00:46:28] Down in Melbourne

[00:46:29] Saturday afternoon

[00:46:30] It's gonna be a ripper

[00:46:31] We'll have some more pods for you throughout the week

[00:46:34] You can bet on that

[00:46:36] Don't bet on anything else but you can bet on that

[00:46:39] And until then Kieran

[00:46:40] Hope you have a great week

[00:46:42] And just remember that you can get in touch with us

[00:46:45] At Sharkast Pod

[00:46:46] On the socials

[00:46:47] Sharkastpod at gmail.com is the email

[00:46:50] You can follow us on all sorts of places

[00:46:52] Including the YouTube

[00:46:54] But all sorts of places

[00:46:55] Until then Kieran we'll just leave you with the wise words

[00:46:59] That wrestling is real

[00:47:01] People are fake

[00:47:27] Sharks forever

[00:47:30] Go out and play without fear

[00:47:34] Now's the time to see good football

[00:47:37] For the sharks are here

[00:48:11] The boys in the black white and blue

[00:48:19] Up up

[00:48:22] Bernala

[00:48:23] Name of the sharks with you

[00:48:27] Sharks sharks forever

[00:48:31] Go out and play without fear

[00:48:31] Go out and play without fear

[00:48:35] Now's the time to see good football

[00:48:39] For the sharks are here

[00:48:42] At the sharks