Wendell Makes New Fans As Marlins Extend Streak
Illawarra Mercury
Monday May 26, 2008
THERE were no Hollywood-scripted tries to save the day, but Wendell Sailor believes his plans to return to elite rugby league are right on schedule.
Dell-mania was back at Shellharbour's Ron Costello Oval on Saturday night, with Sailor putting together a solid if not spectacular performance in the Marlins' 36-16 defeat of the WA Reds in the Jim Beam Cup.The ex-Waratah and Wallaby was appearing for the last time at Shellharbour's home ground and received a warm send-off from the fans.But the estimated crowd of 2000 was down on last week's turnout and Marlins officials were hoping for twice that figure.Sailor recently completed a two-year drug ban, signing a contract with St George Illawarra which expires at the end of next season.He will almost certainly take his place in the Marlins' starting 13 for this weekend's road clash with leaders Windsor.Sailor said no date had been set for a call-up to the Dragons."It was a bit of a let-down for me tonight compared to last week, but all in all I'm happy," Sailor said."I don't think I was up for the game as I was last week. But that happens, and I was only up as much as (the Reds) let me. When I came and got the ball they gang-tackled me a little bit, so I just want to look to use a bit more footwork in traffic."I'm not too worried about not scoring a try out there. "There were no mistakes for me. I'm reading it al lright and getting my feeling and fitness back. I think I need another week here (in the Jim Beam Cup), or maybe two. It's good for me."And he has a big rap on his Marlins teammates."The boys stuck to the game plan in the second half and that's what I like about this team," Sailor said."When everyone does their role, we can score points and we can defend, and it was just about playing smart. Benny Ellis was tremendous. He dominated the ruck. And the full-back, Catsy (Ian Catania), geez he's got some talent. I like this squad. It's got a good feel about it. Everyone knows their roles and no-one panics. The crowd was good and we scored some great tries."Marlins coach Dave Walsh was pleased his team notched its sixth straight win but warned of testing times ahead."I thought we were a bit complacent at times, but we did enough. We did what we had to do but it wasn't real convincing," Walsh said."In the end we put on some points so it was good to get a win like that, but we need to improve a lot to be competitive against Windsor."We're playing the three teams above us in the next five weeks and that will tell us if we're genuine contenders ..."
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