Former South Sydney coach John Lang used to lose sleep over Chris Sandow’s shoulder charges, yet Parramatta has now cleared the newly signed halfback to keep tackling opponents twice his size.
According to Parramatta Eels coach Stephen Kearney, the risky shoulder charge can occasionally motivate his teammates, while star fullback Jarryd Hayne jokingly mentioned that he would assist Sandow in perfecting the move that has been spotlighted in various NRL highlight reels.
“It’s often less about executing it successfully and more about the response it elicits from his teammates,” Kearney remarked.
“Sure, the guy is small, but he aims to motivate.
“I have no issues with it, provided it’s at the appropriate time and place.
“When he attempts it on front-rowers, that’s simply his competitive spirit. He dislikes being overpowered or outmatched, and that’s how he chooses to approach it.”
During Saturday’s trial against Wests Tigers, Sandow was concussed, although it wasn’t due to a shoulder charge attempt.
He has been cleared to participate in Friday’s final practice at Penrith… alongside Hayne and Nathan Hindmarsh.
According to Sandow, he cannot simply eliminate the shoulder charge from his playing style.
“There are times when you know when to utilize it and when to refrain,” he stated.
“My goal is to motivate the team, and that’s what I try to do.”
On Monday, Hayne took it a step further and offered to provide Sandow some guidance as they joked after a round of lawn bowls.
“I chuckle every time he does it; it looks amusing,” Hayne said as Sandow strolled by.
“On Saturday, he aimed for Matt Utai but ended up hitting his hip.”
by Buford Balony
