The big local derby this week, my prediction:
Sharks : 28
def
Dragons : 16
I think Noddys the key, hes had a knee injury since origin, supposedly its now okay and he returned to full training this week, so fingers crossed!
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Firstly, on Hilder, I would rate him higher than Young! Hilder realistically is being hampered by having to play hooker because he simply isnt one, hes a second rower! So any stats he has would be way better if he didnt hav to be played out of position. Hilder is also WAY more consistant than Young and is better defensively IMO (although this year hasnt been his best with limited game time!!)
As for Albert being signed, its interesting. He recently resigned with his ESL club and their site said it was all rumours, but in the local newspaper some weeks back it had Steve Rogers saying some talks had occured and that they were confident they might get him......... yet Albert denies this. Who knows
though, there are some issues with Albert and his club, they are trying to retain him and some other gun player, Im just hoping that maybe they decide to take the other dude and not Albert! Also of interest is Peachey, if the club hes going to (cant remember name - maybe Widnes or something) get relegated his contract would be void because its conditional, if this did occur I would HOPE that after his red hot form in the last weeks the sharkies would come to their senses and sign him!!!!!!!!!!!
As or signings, the sharks bought well and bought late, Ross will be a good replacement for Stevo and Pomeroy may be a centre solution for Mellor (Who im not really sad to see leave). The sharks are also talking to Latu from the warriors, hes set to be the replacement for Sullivan and then some and I believe hes almost certainly ours for 06 as the warriors have already been purchasing his replacement.
My team for 06'
1. Brown 2.Simmons 3.Vagana 4.Pomeroy 5.Albert 6.Dykes 7.Noddy 13.Gallen 12.Bails 11.Hilder 10.Ross 9.Latu 8.Nutley
Bench : Williams, Leulawai, Bird, Hutch
IMO thats a very strong site, that pack especially would be VERY good with blokes like Hutch and Williams coming off the bench, and more over Mapp in PL as quality depth. The backline would be alittle under done, with Brown havin to debut but from what Ive seen of him, hes an up and coming start! If we get Albert as well this would mean we have virtually two of the fastest wingers in the comp! (Albert is currently the fastest in ESL and Simmo is prity quick - refer to him chasing down Bowen this year)
Bookie, I saw you forgot Hutch mate, he is surely a must.
In place of Albert if we dont get him I would have maybe Beau Scott or some PL player like Goodwin, I dont rate Covell he is just to slow for a winger whos job is to support etc and unfortunately we have an abundance of quality second rowers. This would create a goal kicking problem but I think Hilder showed in 04 that he can kick and with work in the off season he could become a 70%+ kicker.
If not 05, in 06 the Premiership is coming to the shire!!