Monday, August 16, 2004
Player Ratings: Eels vs Sharks
Luke Burt - 7 (111)
"When he was good, he was very, very good but when he was bad he was horrid". Burt was flung into the fullback role, following the late but expected withdrawal of Wade McKinnon and showed once again that he is a devastating open play runner. Bagged two tried himself and created a number of opportunities, but was probably also responsible for allowing a couple of tries, after he failed to clean up short kicks.
Ashley Graham - 6 (53)
Did some nice things and scored a try but the Sharks looked most likely when attacking his wing.
Ben Smith - 6 (17)
Didn't get a lot of opportunities but produced a solid performance in only his third NRL game.
Junior Langi - 6 (93)
Like Smith, a solid game, in which the Cronulla centres were well contained.
Matthew Peterson - 8 (98)
Couldn't have done anymore. Scored two good winger's tries and saved one, as well, with some aggressive cover defence. Has really come of age, in the back half of this season.
Chris Thorman - 7 (36)
Looked much more comfortable at pivot than half and not burdened with the responsibility of controlling the team. Always looked dangerous when taking on the line.
Michael Witt - 6 (39)
Developed confidence as the game wore on and it was probably the best he looked all year. Goal kicking was excellent.
Corey Pearson - 7 (58)
Usual hard-working performance, highlighted by some smart offloads.
Lee Hopkins - 7 (77)
Excellent second half in which he created a couple of tries.
Michael Vella - 7 (116)
Didn't get a lot of game time, but produced some good runs when he was on the field.
Nathan Hindmarsh - 9 (131)
Led the way getting heavily involved from the opening minutes. Made an enormous 26 hit ups and was a constant threat whenever in possession. His try gave the Eels an enormous boost and his performance was near faultless.
Craig Stapleton - 7 (131)
Like Vella was used in moderation but was very aggressive and strong when on the park. Made good metres and his defence was strong.
Daniel Wagon - 6 (108)
Defence was, as always, strong.
James Webster - 7 (32)
Literally turned the game when he came on. Provided terrific service as well making a couple of sharp darts.
Dean Widders - 7 (121)
Again provided terrific impact off the bench and scored a great try.
Adam Peek - 7 (63)
Easily his best game of the year for the Eels. Consistently made big metres (10 hitups for 108 metres) and was rewarded with plenty of game time.
Justin Tsoulos - 7 (83)
This is the Justin Tsoulos we'd like to see every week. Came on and got heavily involved making 13 rampaging hit ups. Got away a couple of good balls as well and provided terrific impact off the bench.
"When he was good, he was very, very good but when he was bad he was horrid". Burt was flung into the fullback role, following the late but expected withdrawal of Wade McKinnon and showed once again that he is a devastating open play runner. Bagged two tried himself and created a number of opportunities, but was probably also responsible for allowing a couple of tries, after he failed to clean up short kicks.
Ashley Graham - 6 (53)
Did some nice things and scored a try but the Sharks looked most likely when attacking his wing.
Ben Smith - 6 (17)
Didn't get a lot of opportunities but produced a solid performance in only his third NRL game.
Junior Langi - 6 (93)
Like Smith, a solid game, in which the Cronulla centres were well contained.
Matthew Peterson - 8 (98)
Couldn't have done anymore. Scored two good winger's tries and saved one, as well, with some aggressive cover defence. Has really come of age, in the back half of this season.
Chris Thorman - 7 (36)
Looked much more comfortable at pivot than half and not burdened with the responsibility of controlling the team. Always looked dangerous when taking on the line.
Michael Witt - 6 (39)
Developed confidence as the game wore on and it was probably the best he looked all year. Goal kicking was excellent.
Corey Pearson - 7 (58)
Usual hard-working performance, highlighted by some smart offloads.
Lee Hopkins - 7 (77)
Excellent second half in which he created a couple of tries.
Michael Vella - 7 (116)
Didn't get a lot of game time, but produced some good runs when he was on the field.
Nathan Hindmarsh - 9 (131)
Led the way getting heavily involved from the opening minutes. Made an enormous 26 hit ups and was a constant threat whenever in possession. His try gave the Eels an enormous boost and his performance was near faultless.
Craig Stapleton - 7 (131)
Like Vella was used in moderation but was very aggressive and strong when on the park. Made good metres and his defence was strong.
Daniel Wagon - 6 (108)
Defence was, as always, strong.
James Webster - 7 (32)
Literally turned the game when he came on. Provided terrific service as well making a couple of sharp darts.
Dean Widders - 7 (121)
Again provided terrific impact off the bench and scored a great try.
Adam Peek - 7 (63)
Easily his best game of the year for the Eels. Consistently made big metres (10 hitups for 108 metres) and was rewarded with plenty of game time.
Justin Tsoulos - 7 (83)
This is the Justin Tsoulos we'd like to see every week. Came on and got heavily involved making 13 rampaging hit ups. Got away a couple of good balls as well and provided terrific impact off the bench.
