Fraser Anderson.

After arriving at the Sharks in 2007, former baby bronco Fraser Anderson gave Sharks fans great hopes.  He possessed two key Rugby League qualities, i.e. size and speed.

Playing in the Sharks NRL team in 2007 in the winger or centre position, he fell out of favour with some Sharks fans later in the season, primarily due to some disappointing handling errors.

In 2008, he returned to favour with fans once again, after moving into the second-row, where he performed strongly and was able to cement a regular first grade position.

In 2009, the Sharks supply of quality second-rowers will be the envy of other clubs.  With his speed and his experience with playing out wide, Anderson may be called on to play in the centres, particularly given the versatility of current centre David Simmons, who has covered the fullback spot with distinction.  Added to this is the disappointing 2008 season of Sharks recruit Karl Filiga, who isn’t currently challenging for a first-grade spot in the centres.

With the odds of Fraser Anderson playing in the centres in 2009 running fairly high, some fans have asked the question ‘How will he go?  Isn’t he a better second-rower than centre?’

The evidence indicates that he will play well in that position, making more attacking impact than he did from the second row.

Late in the 2008 season we got to see him play in the centres again.  In a game against the Sydney Roosters, with Brett Kearney withdrawing due to injury, David Simmons was moved to fullback and had a very strong game, and his place in the centres was covered by Fraser Anderson.

Playing two-in from the touchline in attack, and three-in from the touchline in defence to allow Kimmorley to defend two-in, Fraser Anderson completely dominated his Sydney Roosters counterpart, New Zealand international Iosia Soliola.

This dominance was exhibited very early in the game, when Anderson got outside his marker Soliola, and fended him off to leave him lying on the ground while Anderson crossed over the line for the first Sharks try of the game.  There was no overlap, just pure dominance.

It was great to watch the big Kiwi take advantage of the open space available out wide, which he did frequently.

In 2009 Fraser Anderson may be able to show off the attacking skills that could see him gain regular selection in the New Zealand team.