Collingwood Reads Riot Act To Sluggish Briggs

Newcastle Herald

Saturday May 24, 2008

JOSH LEESON - RUGBY LEAGUE

KURRI Kurri coach Shaun Collingwood has told Bulldogs five-eighth Jacob Briggs that he must deliver today against Nelson Bay at Kurri Kurri Sportsground or face being dropped.

Briggs was one of the Bulldogs' major off-season recruits, but Collingwood has not been impressed with his form or commitment.

"Briggs has been less than acceptable, and I had a yarn with him last night [Thursday]," Collingwood said yesterday.

"He's got to get his act together.

"Here is a guy with an enormous amount of talent, but he's not putting in and not fit."

Collingwood said Knights under-18 half Blake Birch, who starts at fullback today, is pushing for Briggs's spot.

"We know he [Briggs] has the ability; that's why we're persevering with him," he said.

"It's just got to the stage that there's pressure coming from other quarters, so he has to perform."

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have a rising injury toll which will test their new-found depth.

Former NSW Country second-rower Ji Hill is out after breaking a bone in his hand last week against Central Charlestown, centre Danny Palmer has concussion and Simon Craig has torn ankle ligaments.

The injuries add to the losses of Dan Stuart (ankle) and Aiden Burke (broken foot).

Collingwood praised his side's toughness in the face of the injury toll.

"We've performed really well under some trying circumstances with injury, and the boys have backed up well," he said.

The match against the Blues will have some added sting after the Bulldogs raided the Bay's line-up in the off-season.

"Knobby [Luke Knoblanche], Adam Collingwood, Karl Weatherley are ex-Bay boys, so there's a bit of meaning to the game there," Collingwood said.

Kurt Gudgeon nearly ended up with the Blues this season after trialling at the club, but then followed close friend Weatherley to Kurri.

In other games today, the Goannas host Macquarie at Cessnock Sportsground and Central Charlestown face Western Suburbs at Passmore Oval.

Tomorrow, the struggling Lakes United host Souths, who will be under their new coaching staff of Paul Merlo and Paul Davies, at Cahill Oval and Raymond Terrace face a tough road trip to Morry Breen Oval to meet Wyong.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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