Beattie says Ryles and Bailey are 'overrated'
18/09/02
Written by: Steven
Williams
Cronulla Sharks enforcer, Chris Beattie
says he isn't scared of facing St George Illawarra front rowers Luke Bailey
and Jason Ryles in Saturday's first semi final at Aussie Stadium.
Beattie made no secret that he saw
Dragons' front rowers, Ryles and Bailey as being overated.
"The media builds them both up [Ryles
and Bailey] but there's a hell of a lot of hard front rowers running around
and I wouldn't say they're any better or any worse than anyone else." Beattie
said.
Beattie, however may not be asked to
prove his point.
The Queensland prop is still working
against time to be fit for this weekend's encounter after suffering a rib
injury last Friday night's match against the Sydney Roosters.
Earlier in the week, Sharks' coach
Chris Anderson sought to have a meeting with Referee boss, Peter Louis
about the treatment Cronulla were getting from the referees. In particular,
Anderson was asking for clarification of certain offside rulings which
he claims had disadvantaged the Sharks' flat style of attack.
Its also understood that Sharks' halfback,
Brett Kimmorley has said that rookie St George wingers Wise Kativerata
and Leo Clarke would be tested under the high ball throughout this Saturday's
encounter.
The Dragons' camp, on the other hand
have been relatively quiet with hooker, Mark Riddell being one player to
offer comment during the week.
"I was saying to a few of the boys
that all those little things that didn't go our way during the year, the
bounce of the ball, just seems to be going our way in the last few games
and hopefully that can continue this weekend," Riddell said
"They [Sharks] are coming off two tough
losses against a top team [Roosters] and the form team of the competition
so I'm sure they're going to want to get out there and play well."
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