Port Look To Overcome Player Problems
Monday 19th June, 2006
 

While their opponents have generally entered games more hungrier for the "W" than Port, the Blacks mid season slump coincides with the absence of key first grade personnel.

Nathan Heffernan's season ended early when a recurring knee injury forced the utility from the field. Heff's absence was perpetuated by injuries to Linken Hutchinson and Mark Simon attributed to the representative season. Hutchinson is now back in full swing and performing consistently as one of Port's best.

Junior Phillip will remain side-lined for the rest of the season at least after a horrific high tackle in an Illawarra Division representative match at Ziems Park, while Mark Simon and Lulia Lulia missed the first of three matches last weekend while they are on duty with the NSW Cuntry squad who tour New Zealand.

Jiuta Suka missed Saturday's loss to Thirroul with a viral infection, and 2005 Illawarra Under 18 player of the year, Anthony Harris, is nearing a return to the paddock after injury has sidelined the forward for six matches.

The injuries and representative duties have hit the Blacks hard, losing their last five matches. This weekend won't get any easier against an Eagles side with their tails up after some stirring performances including last weekend's win over reigning premiers, Collegians.

Port Kembla can smile about one thing though, the form of the Wollongong Asphalt Under 18's Blacks who have admirably stepped up to cover the interchange spots in Reserve Grade. Josh Michalowski in particular has given a hint of what's to come in the future with a man-of-the-match display against Helensburgh, followed by another strong game against Thirroul. Fouad Hijazi shows signs of strength against the Butchers and Ben Dove has been playing well above his years leading from the front in the forward pack.

Throw in Ivan Buchanan, Shane Makea and Aaron Griffiths, all grade players next season, and Port look to have a bright home-grown future.

This weekend will see if Port can bounce back to beat Berkeley on their own turf. The Blacks will again look towards Aaron Henry and Linken Hutchinson to lead by example, while Craig Simon should be over a bout of the flu and will look to engineer a win from the backs with the likes of Clark Webb and Matthew Michalowski.