Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley admits he's used Phil Gould's criticism of him as extra motivation to perform, but not for any vindictive reasons.

NSW Origin rugby league coach Gould upset Kimmorley early last month when he publicly talked up the selection prospects of Penrith's Craig Gower ahead of the Sharks captain for Origin I in Sydney on May 26.

The 27-year-old Kimmorley said Gould's comments helped him to prove he was worthy of wearing the sky-blue jersey just six months after being named man-of-the-series for the Kangaroo tour of Great Britain.

"It wasn't motivation in saying `shut up I can play alright' it's more motivation to say `I'm going to put my hand up now for the next five or six weeks and make it hard for them not to pick me'," said Kimmorley who was named in the NSW 30-man preliminary squad on Monday.

"Personally it was a fair attack and I was disappointed in it.

"I haven't played good footy just because he's come out and bagged me.

"I think we've just turned it around at the club.

"We've got a lot of good players at the club and it hurt me a lot but it hurt them a bit as well.

"When those blokes go good it makes it easier for me."

The Sharks have won three of their past four matches after a shocking start to the season but face a stern test on Saturday night against the Sydney Roosters, who are aiming for their fifth successive victory.

Brought to you by AAP

© 2003 AAP

See older news: 1 month | 1-3 months | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 12+ months |