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YOUNG PROPS CAN MATCH IT WITH TOUGH MEN
By Wayne Cousins
2/03/2012 11:18:59 AM
Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens is confident talented young props Aaron Woods and Matt Groat will match it with the tough Cronulla forward pack at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday.
The clash of the two big, strong forward packs will be one of many highlights in what is shaping up to be an enthralling round one blockbuster in front of a packed crowd.
Sheens said he was not concerned about Woods and Groat taking on the likes of an experienced Sharks pack featuring internationals Anthony Tupou, Jeremy Smith and Paul Gallen.
“Aaron and Matt have their job to do but we also have got a good strong pack of forwards. Everyone is expected to carry their weight,’’ Sheens said.
“Both boys played well in the trials and I don’t expect it to be anything different. They finished the season playing first grade last year with Aaron Woods virtually having a full season.”
Matching the Sharks in the back-row department will be Wests Tigers international s in Englishmen Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington and New Zealand vice-captain Adam Blair. Woods and Groat will also share the front-row duties with Australian Test prop Keith Galloway.
Wests Tigers Captain Robbie Farah – himself an Origin and Australian Test hooker, said it was important for his forwards to dominate early.
“Today’s game is about winning the ruck and winning the battle in the middle. If you do that, it gives you more chance of stopping those guys on the edges like Todd Carney and Nathan Gardner at the back,’’ Farah said.
“It’s like when we get a roll on in the middle, it makes my job easier and makes Benji’s job easier .
“That’s the key, to do well there in that battle and it will give us the best chance.”
By Wayne Cousins
2/03/2012 11:18:59 AM
Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens is confident talented young props Aaron Woods and Matt Groat will match it with the tough Cronulla forward pack at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday.
The clash of the two big, strong forward packs will be one of many highlights in what is shaping up to be an enthralling round one blockbuster in front of a packed crowd.
Sheens said he was not concerned about Woods and Groat taking on the likes of an experienced Sharks pack featuring internationals Anthony Tupou, Jeremy Smith and Paul Gallen.
“Aaron and Matt have their job to do but we also have got a good strong pack of forwards. Everyone is expected to carry their weight,’’ Sheens said.
“Both boys played well in the trials and I don’t expect it to be anything different. They finished the season playing first grade last year with Aaron Woods virtually having a full season.”
Matching the Sharks in the back-row department will be Wests Tigers international s in Englishmen Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington and New Zealand vice-captain Adam Blair. Woods and Groat will also share the front-row duties with Australian Test prop Keith Galloway.
Wests Tigers Captain Robbie Farah – himself an Origin and Australian Test hooker, said it was important for his forwards to dominate early.
“Today’s game is about winning the ruck and winning the battle in the middle. If you do that, it gives you more chance of stopping those guys on the edges like Todd Carney and Nathan Gardner at the back,’’ Farah said.
“It’s like when we get a roll on in the middle, it makes my job easier and makes Benji’s job easier .
“That’s the key, to do well there in that battle and it will give us the best chance.”
