Where do you start with a film that is consistently rated in the top 100 of all time?
Once Upon A Time In The West is what many consider to be the greatest western film ever made. The 1968 classic has stood the test of the time, and despite not being as popular as the Dollars trilogy to the general population, it easily better from almost every sense.
Sergio Leone's gritty tale transports us back to the America's fabled Old West, where cowboys ruled and all quarrels, no matter big or small, were settled with the sound of a gunshot and another body to bury.
A story told over 166 minutes, Lenoe's epic spaghetti western centres on a hired gun named Frank (Henry Fonda) and his nemesis known only as Harmonica (Charles Bronson). The struggle for a piece of land near Flagstone called Sweetwater is the driving force behind the film. Brett McBain (Frank Wolff) bought the land as he foresaw the railroad would have to pass through the area to replenish the steam locomotives' water supplies. Railroad tycoon Morton (Gabriele Ferzetti) finds out about McBain's land grab, and sends Frank to intimidate him off the land. Instead, Frank kills McBain and his three children and plants evidence at the scene to frame bandit Cheyenne (Jason Robards) and his gang.
While all of this is going on, Harmonica is in pursuit of Frank for an act the details of which are revealed near the end of the film (no spoilers, but it's heavy).
Just about everything about the film is perfect.
The vast, expansive landscapes of the Old West are translated to screen by Leone and cinematographer Tonino Delli Colli in such a way it reflects the way we imagine that era to look. The dirty faces of almost all of the people in every shot merely increase the realism, with Jill McBain (Claudia Cardinale) the only person who gets to keep a cleanish face throughout. The rest are saturated with sweat, speckled with dirt and mud in a true representation of the conditions. It is a minor detail Leone and crew pay a lot of attention to, and the reward is Once Upon A Time In The West looks every bit a tale of the Old West.
One of the greatest Western genre composers of all time Ennio Morricone is responsible for the soundtrack, which again lives up to his ever high reputation. Two major features of the film's sound stand out: the lonely harmonica of which Bronson's character gets his name, and the composition that takes centre stage as Frank and Harmonica face off towards the end of the film. The former acts as a cue for Harmonica's character, usually playing whenever he makes an appearance on screen - the first time of which he plays the tune himself at the train station near the opening (second scene). The latter is the climactic scene of the film, and Morricone's piece reflects the importance of the showdown - it's epic in every way.
As great as it is having one of the greatest film composers of all time in charge of the soundtrack, there is a long time Morricone is not used at all. The first 10 or so minutes of the film uses only natural sound - a turning wheel in the wind, footsteps, shotgun blasts and a train just to name a few. There is a great sequence where three men sent to kill Harmonica in the opening scene arrive, and wait, at a train station. In addition to there being only natural sound (and minimal dialogue), one part in particular is etched into memory. Jack Elam plays Snaky, who comes across as the leader of the trio. While waiting for the train, he is sitting back in a chair when a fly starts buzzing around and landing on his face. Whether its genius by Leone or a strange fetish, we watch Elam and this fly interact for what feels like an eternity - I haven't quite seen anything like it in any other film.
My words do not do Once Upon A Time In The West justice. The only bad thing is the run time which forces you to set aside three hours to watch it, but even then, it is a film worth making the time for. A must.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Need for Speed
Fast cars, high-octane police chases and plenty of eye-opening crashes.
It is those three components that have made Need for Speed one of the most successful video game series in history. The premise is simple: buy or select some serious fast and classy cars (Lamborghinis, Koenigseggs, Ferraris, etc.), drive at ridiculous speeds either through traffic or on one of a wide selection of areas, and escape from the police who give chase.
I remember playing Hot Pursuit on PlayStation over 10 years ago and becoming addicted almost straight away. The video game was an entrance to alternate reality where you could do whatever you wanted, all the while attempting to finish first (I'm a little competitive).
Since then I have played or owned quite a few of the NFS series, so when the film was announced I was a little bit eager to see how it was adapted, with fears of it becoming just another chapter of the highly successful Fast and the Furious.
Unfortunately, it was the latter.
Following six chapters of the Fast and the Furious franchise, there is not overly too much else the "driving cars particularly fast and evading the capture of police" genre can do.
And while NFS did do something slightly different, and the plot was strong enough to carry the film while providing plenty of comic relief, it still suffered from the limited breadth of the genre.
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) plays Tobey Marshall, a former race car driver who runs a garage specialising in tuning performance cars. Marshall and his friends are struggling financially, so they street race at night to earn a little more cash.
One day Marshall's former rival Dino (Dominic Cooper) rocks up to the garage with a Shelby Mustang. Not just any Shelby Mustang though: the one Carroll Shelby was working on before his death. A deal is made between the parties which would see Marshall and his friends take 25% of the $2million price tag if they are successful with the car.
Marshall, at the behest of Englishwoman Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots), gets the Mustang to clock 234mph, which ups the price to $2.7 million. Dino, enraged Marshall drove the car, challenges Marshall and his partner Little Pete Coleman (Harrison Gilbertson, who resembles a One Direction member) to race his father's three illegally imported Koenigsegg Ageras from his mansion to a bridge over the interstate, with the winner set to claim the full amount of others' share of the deal.
During the race, Dino tags Little Pete's car, triggering a spectacularly fiery crash that sends it down a ravine before it bursts into flames. Dino takes off while Marshall, who was leading the race, stops and turns back to help his friend. Marshall eventually does time for involuntary manslaughter, while Dino gets away with his dastardly crime due to no evidence.
This sets up the rest of the film, with Marshall's thirst for revenge fuelling his cross-country adventure to bring Dino to justice in a style that brings up memories of 1977 classic Smokey and the Bandit.
I am a fan of fast cars and stunts on the big screen so it wasn't too bad for me, while the comic input of Marshall's friends/crew Maverick (Scott Mescudi), Joe (Ramon Rodriguez), and the utterly outrageous Finn (Rami Malek), who delivers the funniest scene of the film when he quits his job to join the crew, kept the ball rolling well.
The chemistry between Paul and Poots is well alive on screen, but the scope of their roles is limited I don't think it brought out their best, though Poots was quite good throughout. I tend to agree with the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips who said Paul's idea of intensity in the context of Need for Speed "comes off more like serial killer in the making". Cooper puts in the best performance on anyone in the film, living up to, having fun with, and simply nailing the brash, daring Dino.
Need for Speed will not win any Academy Awards but it is a whole lot of fun worth watching on the big screen. Little Pete's crash during the race between the three Koenigseggs is one of the best I've seen in film (it's also used in the trailer), while the De Leon, an invite-only street race run by Monarch (a hilarious Michael Keaton), is an exciting finish to the film that will have viewers and gamers alike reaching for the controller.
It is those three components that have made Need for Speed one of the most successful video game series in history. The premise is simple: buy or select some serious fast and classy cars (Lamborghinis, Koenigseggs, Ferraris, etc.), drive at ridiculous speeds either through traffic or on one of a wide selection of areas, and escape from the police who give chase.
I remember playing Hot Pursuit on PlayStation over 10 years ago and becoming addicted almost straight away. The video game was an entrance to alternate reality where you could do whatever you wanted, all the while attempting to finish first (I'm a little competitive).
Since then I have played or owned quite a few of the NFS series, so when the film was announced I was a little bit eager to see how it was adapted, with fears of it becoming just another chapter of the highly successful Fast and the Furious.
Unfortunately, it was the latter.
Following six chapters of the Fast and the Furious franchise, there is not overly too much else the "driving cars particularly fast and evading the capture of police" genre can do.
And while NFS did do something slightly different, and the plot was strong enough to carry the film while providing plenty of comic relief, it still suffered from the limited breadth of the genre.
Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) plays Tobey Marshall, a former race car driver who runs a garage specialising in tuning performance cars. Marshall and his friends are struggling financially, so they street race at night to earn a little more cash.
One day Marshall's former rival Dino (Dominic Cooper) rocks up to the garage with a Shelby Mustang. Not just any Shelby Mustang though: the one Carroll Shelby was working on before his death. A deal is made between the parties which would see Marshall and his friends take 25% of the $2million price tag if they are successful with the car.
Marshall, at the behest of Englishwoman Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots), gets the Mustang to clock 234mph, which ups the price to $2.7 million. Dino, enraged Marshall drove the car, challenges Marshall and his partner Little Pete Coleman (Harrison Gilbertson, who resembles a One Direction member) to race his father's three illegally imported Koenigsegg Ageras from his mansion to a bridge over the interstate, with the winner set to claim the full amount of others' share of the deal.
During the race, Dino tags Little Pete's car, triggering a spectacularly fiery crash that sends it down a ravine before it bursts into flames. Dino takes off while Marshall, who was leading the race, stops and turns back to help his friend. Marshall eventually does time for involuntary manslaughter, while Dino gets away with his dastardly crime due to no evidence.
This sets up the rest of the film, with Marshall's thirst for revenge fuelling his cross-country adventure to bring Dino to justice in a style that brings up memories of 1977 classic Smokey and the Bandit.
I am a fan of fast cars and stunts on the big screen so it wasn't too bad for me, while the comic input of Marshall's friends/crew Maverick (Scott Mescudi), Joe (Ramon Rodriguez), and the utterly outrageous Finn (Rami Malek), who delivers the funniest scene of the film when he quits his job to join the crew, kept the ball rolling well.
The chemistry between Paul and Poots is well alive on screen, but the scope of their roles is limited I don't think it brought out their best, though Poots was quite good throughout. I tend to agree with the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips who said Paul's idea of intensity in the context of Need for Speed "comes off more like serial killer in the making". Cooper puts in the best performance on anyone in the film, living up to, having fun with, and simply nailing the brash, daring Dino.
Need for Speed will not win any Academy Awards but it is a whole lot of fun worth watching on the big screen. Little Pete's crash during the race between the three Koenigseggs is one of the best I've seen in film (it's also used in the trailer), while the De Leon, an invite-only street race run by Monarch (a hilarious Michael Keaton), is an exciting finish to the film that will have viewers and gamers alike reaching for the controller.
Monday, March 17, 2014
300: Rise of an Empire
Zack Snyder makes it, er, bloody clear, his lust for Ancient Greek and Persian blood was not quenched by 2007 epic 300 in his latest box office offering.
Instead the seven year wait for another chapter to his adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's graphic novel seems to have exasperated his thirst for bucketloads of battle-spilt blood.
It is all shown in one of this year's visual marvels 300: Rise of an Empire.
I watched Snyder's latest effort in 2D but it does appear to be made for 3D. Just in the way different parts of what is shown on screen interact in their environment: the flames floating across and out of the screen, the woodchips in the opening sequences and, of course, the copious amounts of splattering blood.
Snyder relinquishes the director's chair to Noam Murro, but stays on as a writer and producer. Snyder's trademark slow motion-heavy style of 300 remains however, with every limb forcibly detached from Persian and Greek bodies made to look like a piece of art.
The battles were every bit as mind-blowing as was to be expected. While the action in 300 focussed on King Leonidas' fictionalised effort to stall the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae, Rise of an Empire is all about naval combat.
Ships used as battering rams and ripping others in two, scores of prisoners whipped in both camps to power the boats towards the opposing armies, the awesome speeches from Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) - every aspect of the battle scenes had me on the edge of my seat and loving every second.
With so much emphasis on the visuals and battle scenes (and using the majority of the budget on fake blood), do not expect much in terms of the screenwriting. I personally loved Thermistocle's speeches - there's nothing like a general giving that final speech before going into battle - but the rest of the dialogue fell flat.
If you love a battle and love ancient history (even if it's fictionalised), you'll love 300: Rise of an Empire.
Instead the seven year wait for another chapter to his adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's graphic novel seems to have exasperated his thirst for bucketloads of battle-spilt blood.
It is all shown in one of this year's visual marvels 300: Rise of an Empire.
I watched Snyder's latest effort in 2D but it does appear to be made for 3D. Just in the way different parts of what is shown on screen interact in their environment: the flames floating across and out of the screen, the woodchips in the opening sequences and, of course, the copious amounts of splattering blood.
Snyder relinquishes the director's chair to Noam Murro, but stays on as a writer and producer. Snyder's trademark slow motion-heavy style of 300 remains however, with every limb forcibly detached from Persian and Greek bodies made to look like a piece of art.
The battles were every bit as mind-blowing as was to be expected. While the action in 300 focussed on King Leonidas' fictionalised effort to stall the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae, Rise of an Empire is all about naval combat.
Ships used as battering rams and ripping others in two, scores of prisoners whipped in both camps to power the boats towards the opposing armies, the awesome speeches from Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) - every aspect of the battle scenes had me on the edge of my seat and loving every second.
With so much emphasis on the visuals and battle scenes (and using the majority of the budget on fake blood), do not expect much in terms of the screenwriting. I personally loved Thermistocle's speeches - there's nothing like a general giving that final speech before going into battle - but the rest of the dialogue fell flat.
If you love a battle and love ancient history (even if it's fictionalised), you'll love 300: Rise of an Empire.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Noise
One of the best Australian dramas you most likely have never heard mentioned.
Australian film Noise (2007) primarily focuses on the lives of Brendan Cowell's Graham McGahan, an inner west Melbournian Constable dealing with the effects of tinnitus, and Maia Thomas' Lavinia Smart, the sole survivor of a murderous "rampage" on a train in which seven people are killed.
After requesting light duties to help deal with his tinnitus, McGahan is placed on night shift in an information van in the inner west suburb of Sunshine. There, he encounters several members of different parts of the community: Lucky Phil, a mentally handicapped man, Dean Stouritis, the fiance of a murdered woman in Sunshine, and Craig Finlay, a profane racist.
At the same time, the film explores how Smart deals with the aftermath of her traumatic experience, including one fantastically presented scene towards the end when she is followed by one of the men she identifies in a police line up.
Everything about this film is amazing, and I cannot understand why I have not heard of this film before stumbling across the bargain bin.
Before viewing Noise, I had only seen Cowell as panellist on footy programs, so I didn't have the highest expectation of him as an actor (sorry); I had no idea what to expect. Now, I am actively going to seek out more films with him in it, he's brilliant. I felt myself believing McGahan's character, and the scene with Katie Wall's Caitlin Robinson forced me to think how I would react in a similar situation, which made made me love the performance even more.
Thomas plays the role of a terrified and traumatised Smart brilliantly. Smart is stricken by fear after witnessing what she did on the train, and that is only exacerbated when the investigating officers seem not to believe her recount of events.
I mentioned it earlier but the whole interaction between Smart and the man she identified in the police lineup is so well done. It begins simply as her walking down the road alone in the dark, before a car creepily slows down to her pace and follows not far behind. He eventually gets out of the car an tries to intimidate Smart, who is a heap on the ground. Instead she explodes into life, angrily confronting him and communicating the fear in which she now lives.
It's a breathtaking scene that has stuck with me since watching it last week.
Noise is an under-rated, under-watch and under-appreciated Australian drama that should be thrust into the spotlight. It's a well-crafted and smartly constructed film, featuring performances that are as real it gets.
There is a reason why Noise won the Best Film, Best Director for Matthew Saville, Best Actor for Brendan Cowell, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Music Score Awards and was nominated for Best Screenplay by the Australian Film Critics Association, and the only way to truly find out is by taking 110 minutes out of your time.
Australian film Noise (2007) primarily focuses on the lives of Brendan Cowell's Graham McGahan, an inner west Melbournian Constable dealing with the effects of tinnitus, and Maia Thomas' Lavinia Smart, the sole survivor of a murderous "rampage" on a train in which seven people are killed.
After requesting light duties to help deal with his tinnitus, McGahan is placed on night shift in an information van in the inner west suburb of Sunshine. There, he encounters several members of different parts of the community: Lucky Phil, a mentally handicapped man, Dean Stouritis, the fiance of a murdered woman in Sunshine, and Craig Finlay, a profane racist.
At the same time, the film explores how Smart deals with the aftermath of her traumatic experience, including one fantastically presented scene towards the end when she is followed by one of the men she identifies in a police line up.
Everything about this film is amazing, and I cannot understand why I have not heard of this film before stumbling across the bargain bin.
Before viewing Noise, I had only seen Cowell as panellist on footy programs, so I didn't have the highest expectation of him as an actor (sorry); I had no idea what to expect. Now, I am actively going to seek out more films with him in it, he's brilliant. I felt myself believing McGahan's character, and the scene with Katie Wall's Caitlin Robinson forced me to think how I would react in a similar situation, which made made me love the performance even more.
Thomas plays the role of a terrified and traumatised Smart brilliantly. Smart is stricken by fear after witnessing what she did on the train, and that is only exacerbated when the investigating officers seem not to believe her recount of events.
I mentioned it earlier but the whole interaction between Smart and the man she identified in the police lineup is so well done. It begins simply as her walking down the road alone in the dark, before a car creepily slows down to her pace and follows not far behind. He eventually gets out of the car an tries to intimidate Smart, who is a heap on the ground. Instead she explodes into life, angrily confronting him and communicating the fear in which she now lives.
It's a breathtaking scene that has stuck with me since watching it last week.
Noise is an under-rated, under-watch and under-appreciated Australian drama that should be thrust into the spotlight. It's a well-crafted and smartly constructed film, featuring performances that are as real it gets.
There is a reason why Noise won the Best Film, Best Director for Matthew Saville, Best Actor for Brendan Cowell, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Music Score Awards and was nominated for Best Screenplay by the Australian Film Critics Association, and the only way to truly find out is by taking 110 minutes out of your time.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Red Rock West
One of the most under-rated films I've ever seen.
I came across Red Rock West when I downloaded the film noir episode of The Film Podcast on my way into uni earlier this week. I simply didn't get what defined the noir genre genre or style of film, and I figured their two-hour discussion about films that slotted into the category would help.
One of the presenters mentioned Red Rock West as potential entry their top five film noirs, and the discussion that followed convinced me to go out and find it.
I'm glad I did.
The 1993 film stars a 30-year-old Nicholas Cage as lead character Michael Williams. Williams is a former marine-turned-drifter, whose planned employment at an oilfield falls through because he doesn't disclose an injury.
Williams wanders into Red Rock in search of work and slips into a bar, where he meets owner Wayne Brown (J.T. Walsh). Walsh mistakes Williams for a "Lyle from Dallas", who Walsh has hired to kill his wife Suzanne (Lara Flynn Boyle).
The story takes further twists when the real Lyle shows up (Dallas Hopper), and when Suzanne offers Williams a counter-offer to Walsh's original hit.
It has all the ingredients for a ripper film (which it definitely is) shot similar to those during the classic film noir period in the 1840s and '50s. The mistaken identity, the "femme fatale" (though this particular female lead is a minor exception to the rule), and the extensive use of shadowing are all some of Red Rock West's characteristics associated with that style of film.
I have never really been much of a Cage fan, and have only really enjoyed him in Con Air and Gone in 60 Seconds.
I can now add Red Rock West to that list.
Cage shows a side I have either never noticed in other films I have seen (National Treasure isn't the greatest measuring stick). Hopper is believably intimidating as Lyle, while Walsh's Brown is as conniving as you'd expect a sheriff who runs the town's major watering hole to be.
Lara Flynn Boyle deserves recognition for her Suzanne Brown as well. We watch her evolve on the outside for most of the film, while her greedy and perhaps criminal internal dialogue maintains its course.
An enthralling and entertaining film, Red Rock West is a gem many have yet to discover.
Red Rock West (1993): 97 minutes
I came across Red Rock West when I downloaded the film noir episode of The Film Podcast on my way into uni earlier this week. I simply didn't get what defined the noir genre genre or style of film, and I figured their two-hour discussion about films that slotted into the category would help.
One of the presenters mentioned Red Rock West as potential entry their top five film noirs, and the discussion that followed convinced me to go out and find it.
I'm glad I did.
The 1993 film stars a 30-year-old Nicholas Cage as lead character Michael Williams. Williams is a former marine-turned-drifter, whose planned employment at an oilfield falls through because he doesn't disclose an injury.
Williams wanders into Red Rock in search of work and slips into a bar, where he meets owner Wayne Brown (J.T. Walsh). Walsh mistakes Williams for a "Lyle from Dallas", who Walsh has hired to kill his wife Suzanne (Lara Flynn Boyle).
The story takes further twists when the real Lyle shows up (Dallas Hopper), and when Suzanne offers Williams a counter-offer to Walsh's original hit.
It has all the ingredients for a ripper film (which it definitely is) shot similar to those during the classic film noir period in the 1840s and '50s. The mistaken identity, the "femme fatale" (though this particular female lead is a minor exception to the rule), and the extensive use of shadowing are all some of Red Rock West's characteristics associated with that style of film.
I have never really been much of a Cage fan, and have only really enjoyed him in Con Air and Gone in 60 Seconds.
I can now add Red Rock West to that list.
Cage shows a side I have either never noticed in other films I have seen (National Treasure isn't the greatest measuring stick). Hopper is believably intimidating as Lyle, while Walsh's Brown is as conniving as you'd expect a sheriff who runs the town's major watering hole to be.
Lara Flynn Boyle deserves recognition for her Suzanne Brown as well. We watch her evolve on the outside for most of the film, while her greedy and perhaps criminal internal dialogue maintains its course.
An enthralling and entertaining film, Red Rock West is a gem many have yet to discover.
Red Rock West (1993): 97 minutes
Sunday, March 02, 2014
NRL 2014 season previews: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks were one of the success stories of 2013 despite being in the crosshairs of the media, and the public, thanks to the ASADA investigation.
Remarkably, the Sharks were able to put the unwanted extra attention to one side and turn in consistently good performances, and in turn reversing years of terrible performances and results into a finals berth and a top six finish.
They brought together an impressive roster featuring the likes Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon and Todd Carney, with and impressive forward pack and new-found consistency when it came to finishing their attacking sets.
FULLBACKS
The amount of speed the Sharks have between their three main fullback choices has already caught the attention of the Australian Federal Police.
Michael Gordon is best placed to start at fullback, showing impressive form and almost earning a State of Origin recall before injury cruelled his chance. He starts odds-on favourite not only because of his form, but his radar-like goalkicking makes him an asset to every facet of the Sharks' game.
Even if Gordon is injured the Sharks don't lose too much (apart from his goalkicking), with speedsters Nathan Stapleton and Nathan Gardner waiting in the wings (or even on them depending on what Peter Sharp decides).
If all goes pear-shaped with that trio, Todd Carney and Matthew Wright can also cover the custodian role, but it is unlikely we will see either player there.
CENTRES
Aggressive recruiting has added several names to an already overwhelming number of quality centres in the Sharks' selection pool.
If overlooked at fullback Michael Gordon can jump into the centres, with new recruit and former Wests Tiger Blake Ayshford set to make the number four jersey his own.
Ricky Leutele had a breakout 2013 and will fight hard for a spot in the run-on side, with Jonathon Wright also putting his hand up. Sosaia Feki was mainly used on the wing but can jump inside if he needs to, while utility Sam Tagatese has more than enough ability to cover, but will most likely be used from the bench or in the second row.
WINGERS
Remember those names under the fullback heading? You can pencil at least one in to one flank.
Beau Ryan showed his class for the Sharks in 2013 and expect him to do much of the same this year as he stamps himself as an under-rated but permanent member of the run-on squad.
Feki and Wright will also be competing for a spot on the flank, along with the returning Eric Grothe Jnr whose impact will not be known until injuries clear his path to the top grade.
HALVES
Todd Carney and Jeff Robson steered the Sharks to the finals last year and I will not be surprised if they do the same again in 2014.
Cronulla built plenty of momentum when the two were playing alongside each other regularly, with an injury to Carney halting their charge towards the end of the year.
Their more than capable backup in Chad Townsend has left the club for New Zealand Warriors, with Penani Manumalealii serving as the new deputy. Wade Graham could also be called up if the halves are hit by seriously bad injuries.
HOOKERS
Under-rated but a solid performer, John Morris should hold his starting position in favour of Isaac De Gois. Morris has been one of the Sharks' best in recent seasons and thrives due to the lack of attention directed his way.
He's a composed dummy half, sticking to the game plan so seamlessly viewers can easily forget he's there. De Gois is a quality backup coming off the bench, and the only change to their positions in the 17 will be to throw the oppostion off.
They also have talented hooker Michael Lichaa up their sleeve, so don't be surprised if you see him coming off the bench later this season.
FRONT-ROWERS
When one of the best front-rowers in the competition enters beast mode Sharks players are thanking the heavens (and their employer) Andrew Fifita is on their side.
Arguably the most improved player in 2013, Fifita played his way into both New South Wales and Australian jerseys by the end of the season.
He will be guaranteed a starting front-rower spot for as long as he remains injury-free, with captain Paul Gallen likely to remain in the front row alongside the beast.
They make up one of the most intimidating front row pairings in the NRL, but that is about where the intimidation ends.
Bryce Gibbs will get the job done from the bench, while David Fifita and Matt Prior serve as more than handy backups.
SECOND-ROW/LOCK
Cronulla's real strength lies in their back-row.
Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington form a strong second-row with the tough Wade Graham locking the scrum. The trio have already proven they work well together and individually are three of the toughest players to stop. They have the footwork to slot into the backline but the size and strength for the forwards.
They are backed up by former Australian representative Anthony Tupou and utility Sam Tagatese, who has already shown strong form in the trial games and during the Auckland Nines.
Keep an eye out for Tupou Sopoaga as well.
THE COACH
The ASADA investigation (amongst several reviews of the Sharks club) has claimed the scalp of head coach Shane Flanagan for the next 12 months, with Peter Sharp stepping up for this year. Sharp hasn't coached in the NRL since he led the Northern Eagles/Manly Sea Eagles a decade ago, but he has served as an assistant in several clubs since (he also had a one and half year stint with Hull). It is a bit of a gamble to predict what he will do but I personally believe he will have photocopies of Flanagan's playbook and they will look to replicate what worked so well for them last season.
Starting lineup: Michael Gordon, Nathan Stapleton, Ricky Leutele, Blake Ayshford, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington, Wade Graham. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Matt Prior, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagatese
Remarkably, the Sharks were able to put the unwanted extra attention to one side and turn in consistently good performances, and in turn reversing years of terrible performances and results into a finals berth and a top six finish.
They brought together an impressive roster featuring the likes Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon and Todd Carney, with and impressive forward pack and new-found consistency when it came to finishing their attacking sets.
FULLBACKS
The amount of speed the Sharks have between their three main fullback choices has already caught the attention of the Australian Federal Police.
Michael Gordon is best placed to start at fullback, showing impressive form and almost earning a State of Origin recall before injury cruelled his chance. He starts odds-on favourite not only because of his form, but his radar-like goalkicking makes him an asset to every facet of the Sharks' game.
Even if Gordon is injured the Sharks don't lose too much (apart from his goalkicking), with speedsters Nathan Stapleton and Nathan Gardner waiting in the wings (or even on them depending on what Peter Sharp decides).
If all goes pear-shaped with that trio, Todd Carney and Matthew Wright can also cover the custodian role, but it is unlikely we will see either player there.
CENTRES
Aggressive recruiting has added several names to an already overwhelming number of quality centres in the Sharks' selection pool.
If overlooked at fullback Michael Gordon can jump into the centres, with new recruit and former Wests Tiger Blake Ayshford set to make the number four jersey his own.
Ricky Leutele had a breakout 2013 and will fight hard for a spot in the run-on side, with Jonathon Wright also putting his hand up. Sosaia Feki was mainly used on the wing but can jump inside if he needs to, while utility Sam Tagatese has more than enough ability to cover, but will most likely be used from the bench or in the second row.
WINGERS
Remember those names under the fullback heading? You can pencil at least one in to one flank.
Beau Ryan showed his class for the Sharks in 2013 and expect him to do much of the same this year as he stamps himself as an under-rated but permanent member of the run-on squad.
Feki and Wright will also be competing for a spot on the flank, along with the returning Eric Grothe Jnr whose impact will not be known until injuries clear his path to the top grade.
HALVES
Todd Carney and Jeff Robson steered the Sharks to the finals last year and I will not be surprised if they do the same again in 2014.
Cronulla built plenty of momentum when the two were playing alongside each other regularly, with an injury to Carney halting their charge towards the end of the year.
Their more than capable backup in Chad Townsend has left the club for New Zealand Warriors, with Penani Manumalealii serving as the new deputy. Wade Graham could also be called up if the halves are hit by seriously bad injuries.
HOOKERS
Under-rated but a solid performer, John Morris should hold his starting position in favour of Isaac De Gois. Morris has been one of the Sharks' best in recent seasons and thrives due to the lack of attention directed his way.
He's a composed dummy half, sticking to the game plan so seamlessly viewers can easily forget he's there. De Gois is a quality backup coming off the bench, and the only change to their positions in the 17 will be to throw the oppostion off.
They also have talented hooker Michael Lichaa up their sleeve, so don't be surprised if you see him coming off the bench later this season.
FRONT-ROWERS
When one of the best front-rowers in the competition enters beast mode Sharks players are thanking the heavens (and their employer) Andrew Fifita is on their side.
Arguably the most improved player in 2013, Fifita played his way into both New South Wales and Australian jerseys by the end of the season.
He will be guaranteed a starting front-rower spot for as long as he remains injury-free, with captain Paul Gallen likely to remain in the front row alongside the beast.
They make up one of the most intimidating front row pairings in the NRL, but that is about where the intimidation ends.
Bryce Gibbs will get the job done from the bench, while David Fifita and Matt Prior serve as more than handy backups.
SECOND-ROW/LOCK
Cronulla's real strength lies in their back-row.
Luke Lewis and Chris Heighington form a strong second-row with the tough Wade Graham locking the scrum. The trio have already proven they work well together and individually are three of the toughest players to stop. They have the footwork to slot into the backline but the size and strength for the forwards.
They are backed up by former Australian representative Anthony Tupou and utility Sam Tagatese, who has already shown strong form in the trial games and during the Auckland Nines.
Keep an eye out for Tupou Sopoaga as well.
THE COACH
The ASADA investigation (amongst several reviews of the Sharks club) has claimed the scalp of head coach Shane Flanagan for the next 12 months, with Peter Sharp stepping up for this year. Sharp hasn't coached in the NRL since he led the Northern Eagles/Manly Sea Eagles a decade ago, but he has served as an assistant in several clubs since (he also had a one and half year stint with Hull). It is a bit of a gamble to predict what he will do but I personally believe he will have photocopies of Flanagan's playbook and they will look to replicate what worked so well for them last season.
Starting lineup: Michael Gordon, Nathan Stapleton, Ricky Leutele, Blake Ayshford, Beau Ryan, Todd Carney, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, John Morris, Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Chris Heighington, Wade Graham. Interchange: Isaac De Gois, Matt Prior, Anthony Tupou, Sam Tagatese
NRL 2014 season previews: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Last year's somewhat ordinary ending to Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' season most likely rated as below average to the Doggies' faithful, but hindsight can reveal one of many silver linings to the campaign.
They battled countless injuries to star players, not to mention James Graham's suspension for biting Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater in the 2012 grand final and the Ben Barba incident which has seen the "X-Factor" leave Channel 7 for the promised northern land of Brisbane.
The absence of the regular stars the Bulldogs depend on every week allowed the unearthing of several players who all have big futures.
FULLBACKS
After enjoying the services of one of the best fullbacks in the competition it is easy to dismiss whoever jumps into the custodian role.
Drury Low, Sam Perrett, Pat Templeman, Josh Morris, Mitch Brown and Tyrone Phillips all shape as handy replacements if they remain fit, with Templeman having the extra bonus of being an accomplished goalkicker.
CENTRES
The Bulldogs have several options for the centres but one certainty is Josh Morris. The NSW State of Origin centre, who had some of his best seasons in 2012 and '13 marking Greg Inglis, is the first name Des Hasler writes on the team sheet.
The other centre spot allows for some experimentation from Hasler, with much depending on who he selects at fullback and the wings.
Tim Lafai has already had some experience in the top grade, with Krisnan Inu a natural fit if he stays injury-free, or he isn't picked on the wing or at fullback. Mitch Brown is another option in the centre though will most likely be picked on the flank if selected at all, but my money is on new signing Chase Stanley to take the spot - again, if he remains injury-free.
A left-field option is the under-performing Tony Williams who has been ineffectual for most of his time at the Bulldogs. It would require a move from the second row but it could help build the big man's confidence while adding plenty of size out wide.
WINGERS
Most of the wing options have been covered in the fullback and centre positions.
If he is not selected at fullback then expect Sam Perrett to get the nod on one flank. He spent most, if not all, of his time at the Roosters on the wing, and is a natural finisher. Options for the other wing include Lafai, Low, Brown and Inu, with Templeman a outside chance depending on how he handles the jump in class from Holden Cup.
HALVES
Josh Reynolds is the key to Bulldogs success.
Rewarded with State of Origin selection last season (despite warming the bench for the full 80 minutes of Game I), Reynolds is one of the next generation's best halves. He can cover five-eighth, halfback and hooker, and will most likely cover five-eighth.
His combination with Trent Hodkinson will be vital to the Bulldogs' chances, especially given there is no obvious replacement. Hodkinson moved from Manly Sea Eagles with Des Hasler, and carried mush of the Bulldogs' hopes on his shoulders. He carries an impressive which includes Queensland Cup's player of the year award in 2009. and has represented as high as City Origin. It is that form he will need display every week of 2014, and if he and Reynolds combine as well as the Bulldogs' faithful hope, they could be a big improver.
HOOKERS
One of the competition's biggest niggler's Michael Ennis holds a mortgage on this one.
The former State of Origin representative has excelled ever since being handed the captaincy, and an extra year of experience and maturity will only hope his and his team's performances in 2014.
Since the only risk to his jersey (apart from injury) Joel Romelo moved to Melbourne Storm, his only rival is Josh Reynolds, and there is little to no chance he will be shifted from the halves.
FRONT-ROWERS
It is hard to go past the mighty Dogs of War when you are judging the most monstrous forward pack in the NRL.
Dave Klemmer, Aiden Tolman, Sam Kasiano, James Graham and even Frank Pritchard who mainly plays second-row but could always step up. Some of the biggest players in the competition and most destructive when they are fit, which is half the trouble the Bulldogs have. Kasiano has already got a question mark over his fitness, which will leave sizable hole in the front row.
They should have the talent to cover his absence however, with Tim Browne waiting in the wings for his chance.
SECOND-ROW/LOCK
Can a pack get much bigger than that front-row? At the Bulldogs, yes it can.
Pritchard is more at home in the second-row where you'll most likely see him, but it's the other players fighting over the remaining jerseys that steals most of the attention.
Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood, Harlan Alaalatoa, Tolman, Tony Williams, Dale Finucane, Pat O'Hanlon and Reni Maitua are all in contention for starting and bench spots, but the best part for the Bulldogs is the small gap in class between the best and worst players, allowing them a more consistent and settled pack in which only the name changes, not the impact.
THE COACH
There is a reason Manly Sea Eagles allowed Des Hasler to run the show the way he wanted over his decade coaching at the club and it's the same reason why Canterbury are allowing him the same freedom. His methods not only promise success, but they deliver it in spades.
He led the blue and white army to the grand final in his first year with the club after winning the previous year's grand final with Manly, and directed an understrength, injury-hit side to the finals despite the rumours coming out of the club relating to one B. Barba.
The experience dealing with injuries last season should only restore the fans' faith in Hasler, as well as reinforce the players' confidence in the supercoach. Many pundits restrict the top four to Melbourne, Sydney Roosters, South Sydney and Manly, but don't be surprised if the Dogs of War are knocking on the door.
Starting lineup: Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu, Josh Morris, Tony Williams, Chase Stanley, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, James Graham, Josh Jackson. Interchange Dave Klemmer, Dale Finucane, Greg Eastwood, Reni Maitua
They battled countless injuries to star players, not to mention James Graham's suspension for biting Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater in the 2012 grand final and the Ben Barba incident which has seen the "X-Factor" leave Channel 7 for the promised northern land of Brisbane.
The absence of the regular stars the Bulldogs depend on every week allowed the unearthing of several players who all have big futures.
FULLBACKS
After enjoying the services of one of the best fullbacks in the competition it is easy to dismiss whoever jumps into the custodian role.
Drury Low, Sam Perrett, Pat Templeman, Josh Morris, Mitch Brown and Tyrone Phillips all shape as handy replacements if they remain fit, with Templeman having the extra bonus of being an accomplished goalkicker.
CENTRES
The Bulldogs have several options for the centres but one certainty is Josh Morris. The NSW State of Origin centre, who had some of his best seasons in 2012 and '13 marking Greg Inglis, is the first name Des Hasler writes on the team sheet.
The other centre spot allows for some experimentation from Hasler, with much depending on who he selects at fullback and the wings.
Tim Lafai has already had some experience in the top grade, with Krisnan Inu a natural fit if he stays injury-free, or he isn't picked on the wing or at fullback. Mitch Brown is another option in the centre though will most likely be picked on the flank if selected at all, but my money is on new signing Chase Stanley to take the spot - again, if he remains injury-free.
A left-field option is the under-performing Tony Williams who has been ineffectual for most of his time at the Bulldogs. It would require a move from the second row but it could help build the big man's confidence while adding plenty of size out wide.
WINGERS
Most of the wing options have been covered in the fullback and centre positions.
If he is not selected at fullback then expect Sam Perrett to get the nod on one flank. He spent most, if not all, of his time at the Roosters on the wing, and is a natural finisher. Options for the other wing include Lafai, Low, Brown and Inu, with Templeman a outside chance depending on how he handles the jump in class from Holden Cup.
HALVES
Josh Reynolds is the key to Bulldogs success.
Rewarded with State of Origin selection last season (despite warming the bench for the full 80 minutes of Game I), Reynolds is one of the next generation's best halves. He can cover five-eighth, halfback and hooker, and will most likely cover five-eighth.
His combination with Trent Hodkinson will be vital to the Bulldogs' chances, especially given there is no obvious replacement. Hodkinson moved from Manly Sea Eagles with Des Hasler, and carried mush of the Bulldogs' hopes on his shoulders. He carries an impressive which includes Queensland Cup's player of the year award in 2009. and has represented as high as City Origin. It is that form he will need display every week of 2014, and if he and Reynolds combine as well as the Bulldogs' faithful hope, they could be a big improver.
HOOKERS
One of the competition's biggest niggler's Michael Ennis holds a mortgage on this one.
The former State of Origin representative has excelled ever since being handed the captaincy, and an extra year of experience and maturity will only hope his and his team's performances in 2014.
Since the only risk to his jersey (apart from injury) Joel Romelo moved to Melbourne Storm, his only rival is Josh Reynolds, and there is little to no chance he will be shifted from the halves.
FRONT-ROWERS
It is hard to go past the mighty Dogs of War when you are judging the most monstrous forward pack in the NRL.
Dave Klemmer, Aiden Tolman, Sam Kasiano, James Graham and even Frank Pritchard who mainly plays second-row but could always step up. Some of the biggest players in the competition and most destructive when they are fit, which is half the trouble the Bulldogs have. Kasiano has already got a question mark over his fitness, which will leave sizable hole in the front row.
They should have the talent to cover his absence however, with Tim Browne waiting in the wings for his chance.
SECOND-ROW/LOCK
Can a pack get much bigger than that front-row? At the Bulldogs, yes it can.
Pritchard is more at home in the second-row where you'll most likely see him, but it's the other players fighting over the remaining jerseys that steals most of the attention.
Josh Jackson, Greg Eastwood, Harlan Alaalatoa, Tolman, Tony Williams, Dale Finucane, Pat O'Hanlon and Reni Maitua are all in contention for starting and bench spots, but the best part for the Bulldogs is the small gap in class between the best and worst players, allowing them a more consistent and settled pack in which only the name changes, not the impact.
THE COACH
There is a reason Manly Sea Eagles allowed Des Hasler to run the show the way he wanted over his decade coaching at the club and it's the same reason why Canterbury are allowing him the same freedom. His methods not only promise success, but they deliver it in spades.
He led the blue and white army to the grand final in his first year with the club after winning the previous year's grand final with Manly, and directed an understrength, injury-hit side to the finals despite the rumours coming out of the club relating to one B. Barba.
The experience dealing with injuries last season should only restore the fans' faith in Hasler, as well as reinforce the players' confidence in the supercoach. Many pundits restrict the top four to Melbourne, Sydney Roosters, South Sydney and Manly, but don't be surprised if the Dogs of War are knocking on the door.
Starting lineup: Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu, Josh Morris, Tony Williams, Chase Stanley, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aiden Tolman, Michael Ennis, Sam Kasiano, Frank Pritchard, James Graham, Josh Jackson. Interchange Dave Klemmer, Dale Finucane, Greg Eastwood, Reni Maitua
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