So now the dust is settling on yet another totally inept performance, it’s time to look at what we can do in the short term to fix things up. I’d start with the defence, if we make ourselves harder to score against we will be “in” every game we play. Defence is about three things, technique, communication and attitude. Working on technique can take time, but attitude and communication should be easy fixes, assuming the players see a future with the club.
We need to make it totally transparent that some players don’t have a future at the club, and start playing the slightly more experienced younger players together to improve the attitude and culture at the club. It’s not time to drop the young ones in, but we have a clutch of 19-23 year olds that should either be playing or leaving to show they can make it or make room for the next batch. I’d be looking at getting them enough game time so they are battle hardened for next season.
We need to find ways to ship out players like Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Donaldson, Thompson, Dwyer, Mellor either during the season to create space for new signings, or at the end of it at the latest. I’d rather have enthusiastic and talented kids playing and learning for the future than players who realistically aren’t going to improve and are part of the problem rather than the solution.
In terms of coaching, we need to bite the bullet and give HKR what they want for TS and DM now, because the changes cannot happen soon enough for us. TS needs to be given the contract he wants and DM still has so much to learn that another 4 years under Tony will turn out to be a blessing. If Tony won’t come then we need a coach with absolutely no connection to the club previously so they don’t carry any baggage. They then get to call the whole coaching side of the club, and appoint who they want so we have a highly skilled and focused coaching organisation, not the half arsed bunch we have now.
I’d play the following when everyone is fit for the rest of this season. Others can come in when we have injuries.
1. Walker (we need to know if ha has it or not).
2. Fusitua (no point bringing him here if he ain’t going to make a difference).
3. Newman (the best Centre prospect at the club).
4. Broadbent (again we need to know what he can do).
5. Handley (he’s made the position his own).
6. Austin (we have no other realistic option, but I wouldn’t renew him).
7. Sezar (but he gets told that unless we see a big improvement he’s gone).
8. Mik (playing in not more than 20 minute bursts).
9. Leeming (can’t believe he’s captain… he’s our best shot at the moment).
10. Tetevano (again in 20 minute bursts, he must start making an impact or he’s gone).
11. Martin (mainly for his goalkicking, but must be much more dynamic with the ball)
12. Bentley (he’s had a very slow start, but is very capable and we need to see it)
13. Smith (but not at first receiver, he’s very capable but is making too many mistakes)
14. Prior (plays in 20 minutes spells and must make his presence felt)
15. Holroyd (the best (only?) Prop prospect we have)
16. Johnson (when fit, he can be the best hooker at the club, Myler when he’s injured)
17. Gannon (very raw but what a prospect, he needs 1-2-1 coaching but will be a great)
You’ve then got players like O’Connor, Tindall, Walters who are close, and Myler who must be kept around to fill the inevitable gaps that come from injuries. Most of the rest can / should be moved on.
What would you do?
