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The Tigers and Warriors both copped a spanking on the weekend, to the Raiders and Storm respectively, meaning this week it’s time to shape up or shake hands with the NSW Cup coach for a host of players from both sides.
So who’s on the chopping block?
Robbie Farah
The Tigers have not won a game since the return of the NSW hooker, who makes the list for the second week in a row – though the lack of effort cannot be placed squarely on his shoulders.
After the Tigers’ inept display in the nation’s capital on Saturday night, surely Farah cannot even be in the conversation for a starting place in the NSW pack. Michael Ennis is playing out of his skin for the Sharks, and if Laurie Daley doesn’t want to blood young Nathan Peats, ‘The Menace’ gets the nod.
Robbie should be worried more about Matt Ballin’s return than donning the Blues jersey. At this stage I’d have Farah behind Ennis, Peats, Mitch Rein and even Peter Wallace for the Blues’ No.9.
Shaun Johnson
It’s easy to point the finger at the Warriors coach, forward pack, captain, bus driver, the guy who created the ‘Lets Gone Warriors; banner and pretty much the entire organisation, but after last night’s dismal, heartless and gutless display, it’s clear the side lacks leadership.
History tells us that key halves take control of their sides, have a dig and show their true colours when the chips are down. Against Melbourne, Johnson barely took on the defensive line, and was happy to catch and pass, or place inept last-tackle kicks. It was like he was running the water again for the Manurewa Marlins.
Talking to the media about fans bashing his side does not help the cause. Time to mute yourself, roll up the sleeves and play like you actually give a damn, or your career will be over before it started.
Jason Taylor
More of a handshake to thank the NSW Cup coach for his efforts and handing him your prized clipboard.
Talk of losing the dressing room and a continued spiral of losses has to finally take its toll. Ivan Cleary, Geoff Toovey and co. will have plenty of calls this week and offers should be coming in thick and fast. Although it would not surprise if Taylor bumps into Andrew McFadden while submitting his papers at a Centrelink office by the end of this week.
The Tigers need to act sooner rather than later, with the future of their so-called stars of the future, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks, yet to be decided. I say ‘so-called stars’ as I have not seen any semblance of consistency or major development occurring in either. It’s clear Taylor is not the man for that role.
Andrew McFadden
Unlike Taylor, McFadden has a roster more than capable of challenging for a top-four berth.
For all the big-name signings the Warriors have pulled off, the obvious black hole within the club are hardened leaders. The current skipper is not a leader, is in his 30s, and has never been a captain before. The previous leader walked from the role as he couldn’t handle the “pressure and demands”, yet last night Simon Mannering proceeded to lay the law down to his teammates, while Ryan Hoffman downed some Powerade and was mute.
McFadden has fumbled and bumbled his way from one false dawn to the next. A coach is accountable for his side’s total lack of spark, energy or commitment for one another. He must go before another promising season is written off and the age-old excuse of bad luck, injuries and other cards are played.
The alarm bells rang last season with limp efforts after season-ending injuries to Johnson and others. Nobody expected a miracle, but last night the white flag was raised before Warriors fans had a chance to sit in their favoured recliner, crack a Steiny or Speights and strap in for what’s usually a quality clash.
Jackson Hastings
With an eye-catching debut from young Ryan Matterson, Hastings had the chance to lead his side to an unlikely victory with a three-man overlap 15 metres from the tryline, only to inexplicably take the defence on and go for the hero play. For Trent Robinson’s entire wrath at the officials, this was the play that cost the Roosters a valuable two competition points.
With Mitchell Pearce due back this week, the coach needs to make a tough call. Personally I’d throw Hasting back as the interchange utility and start Matterson with Pearce. It would be harsh, but Hastings has not kicked on from the composed youngster we first viewed last season. Of all the players the Roosters decided to let go, James Maloney is far and away the most valuable.
Unlike the above on the chopping block, Jackson has youth on his side.
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