Barely five weeks into this year’s NRL season and intrigue and imbroglio are running rampant – not least, within the coaching ranks.
Rumour and innuendo continue to percolate within a landscape about as stable as quicksand. Recently it’s been Wayne Bennett, Jason Taylor, Ivan Cleary and Des Hasler making the headlines. Next week, who knows?
Enough early dust has settled for us to do a little bit of crystal balling and nominate what will be the single most impressive coaching feat for 2017.
I’ll get the ball rolling…
Des Hasler holding on to his job at the Bulldogs
Des Hasler is so under the pump at the moment, it’s rumoured he’s moonlighting as a plumber in case things don’t work out at the Bulldogs.
If, somehow, Hasler holds onto his job for the rest of the season, it’s worthy of a nomination for coaching feat of the year.
[latest_videos_strip category=”rugby-league” name=”League”]
Nathan Brown lifting the Newcastle Knights from the wooden spoon to ninth position
Last year, Brown tried some pretty radical moves in order to combat his team’s limited ability; most notably being his instruction to the team to not tackle in order to conserve energy. As a result, his players look incredibly fit this year.
The Knights are already showing signs of improvement and with some welcome additions to their roster, they’re an outside chance of moving off the bottom of the table. If Brown could get them to be hovering around the eight this year, I for one would be letting out a low whistle in acknowledgement.
Ivan Cleary taking Wests Tigers into the top eight
I might be jumping the gun here, but it seems a fait accompli that Ivan Cleary will be coaching the Tigers this year. Apparently, Cleary’s manager called him and told him to look up ‘basketcase’ in the dictionary, where he was confronted with a team photo of the 2017 Tigers.
If Cleary can get this talented but undisciplined, sporadic-tackling, easily distracted group of young men into the eight this year, he’ll be in line for a Dally M.
Any other nominations?
Birdy
Guest
Yes, it should have been "Fab 4?" BTW I would sign Tedesco, Blocker Roach rates Woods ahead of Tedesco , so by that alone I would make Woods a priority as well. With the 2 halves what can you say. The tigers have only got an average at best forward pack and no centers. (IDRIS still on comeback) I think I would show loyalty to them but only with a short contract
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Fab 4?? Man only one of these and these 4 are not even their shoelaces as footballers-
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Cleary must be having second thoughts about signing as boy does he have some work to do as a coach - especially changing the Roster- Gus Gould was right making Tedesco the priority signing for the Tigers though and make the other 3 sweat- Woods runs the ball up like a cuddly bear- Moses tries too hard and makes so many wrong decisions and his defence although improving is ordinary for NRL level. Brooks has gone backwards in being able to organise and run the team and would be lucky to maintain his place in any other NRL team- yes I know he out injured
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
why would the Roosters want to sign Moses when they signed Keary and had extended Watson's contract- Both Keary and Watson are better players??
no one in particular
Roar Guru
nah. Issac has upset many clubs. He is an a liar and outright grub
kk
Roar Pro
Never say 'no way' when Nick Politis is involved regardless of situation with Isaac Moses. On paper and Salary Cap wise the Dogs would be favoured to get Teddy's signature. Hopoate is off contract and Abbey is signed to 2018. But Teddy wants to play in a premiership winning team and the side being built at the Roosters, with all due respect to Michael Gordon, is needy of a Teddy in the #1. The only way Politis would not be interested in signing Tedesco is if it is absolutely impossible to do so in compliance with a Salary Cap/ TPA combo.
Birdy
Guest
It seems to me that the Tigers must sign an experienced coach asap to have any chance of retaining the fab 4. This should be their top priority.If they dont sign 2 of them the whole board could be next on the firing line.
danwain
Guest
It's been widely reported that Politis will not deal with Isaac Moses after the debacle with Mitchell Moses heading to the Roosters last year, so no way that is happening. I think he will end up at the dogs.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
HI Max, I think there could still be a little more to play out on the 'Des' front if the Bulldogs have a bad year, but their win last night over the Broncos may be a turning point. That's interesting about Tedesco and the Roosters, but certainly wouldn't surprise, though surely the Tigers would be moving mountains to keep him, but maybe he's had enough of the joint?
kk
Roar Pro
Hi MM, Raelene confirmed that Des will get his 2 year extension. Would love to see the Knights improve to 9th but 5 season wins would satisfy. Ivan will eventually turn the Tigers around but I doubt if they will make the 8. Sunday afternoon's game against St George will reveal their mind set. Ivan's big problem is the retention of Tedesco. I am convinced he is headed for Bondi to take over from Michael Gordon. That should round out the Roosters to representative strength.
Birdy
Guest
The biggest hurdle is for the Tigers to even sign a coach. Assuming Cleary takes his nerve tablets and puts pen to paper , he should take out coach of the year for any finish above 10. I hope he succeeds and sorts out the roster in time for next year.
bearfax
Guest
Trent Barrett getting the Sea Eagles into the final 8