The only positive for following the NRL’s so-called ‘professional’ side would be planning overseas trips in late August, knowing the New Zealand Warriors’ season would be done.
The club should firstly ditch the Warriors brand, as they resemble in no part the definition of the word.
They should also remove ‘New Zealand’, and revert back to Auckland, as their appalling record in other parts of the Shaky Isles won’t win them new fans across the country.
Maybe a temporary switch to the Auckland Hamsters or the Auckland Yielders would be more suited from season 2018.
Successful sporting organisations live and die by culture created by strong leaders. The Warriors appear to only have one leader: Simon Mannering.
Another one is developing in James Gavet, though he may be on the nose with his precious teammates. His honest post-game interview was the only positive that came out of last week’s spineless display. It was raw and spoken like someone who actually cared that his side let down its fans.
Back to Mannering, the fact that the club’s greatest leader walked away from the captaincy was a sign he was worn down from fronting the media, trying his best to defend his team’s inept performances. It’s a real tragedy that he’ll retire sore, battered and probably with a permanent limp after years of covering his uncommitted teammates.
If Craig Bellamy or another coach came knocking, offering him a way out, I would be happy for Mannering to experience playing with a successful side.
[latest_videos_strip category=”rugby-league” name=”League”]
Some critics have stated the Polynesian culture is to blame. That’s absolute rubbish. How’s that excuse work for the All Blacks, or any number of Super Rugby sides that seem to take it in turns winning the title each and every year?
I suspect some Warriors fans want a coach not afraid to dump Shaun Johnson to NSW Cup for a few weeks and give someone like Mason Lino a chance. Johnson is fast running out of chances to show he can consistently perform at the elite level. He defines everything the club is known for: lots of potential but little of the mental and physical toughness required to succeed.
Stephen Kearney was ushered in and fans were led to believe they had their man in a former player and Kiwi national coach with a great track record, someone who understood the club culture.
He is trying to mould this team – a team with an abundance of skill – into one that fears making a mistake. Is it just me, or does this sound like a lose-lose situation?
Finally, whose call was it to keep the ex-first grade coach on as Kearney’s assistant? It’s like letting your ex-wife stay at your place as you both said you’d stay good friends regardless of the messy divorce.
Michael Jordan once said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
The Warriors are guilty on both counts.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
So they won and played with a lot more variety in attack and purpose in their runs. Time and past history will be the judge of the side usually ranked No.1 during the S.O.O period as opposed to their 17-20% win record pre origin and 20-24% won record post origin. They had to respond this week or that could of been the end of their careers for a few of them. Big test this Friday night against an Eels side with next to none Origin reps and the Warriors still yet to register a win in On for season 2017.
Sylvester
Guest
I genuinely don't know where to start with this ridiculous theory. Your attempted explanation about why rugby union is different makes even less sense (if possible).
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
I think scouts and recruitment bite too Jeff
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Irrelevant response Jacko.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Jacko just some facts for you and your pipe, unless an expert submitted an article it can take up to 3 days before your article is submitted after approval from editors. I started on mine 10 out from fulltime in the last poor performance. Using 'what trophy's' did any win is irrelevant it's about showing some sign of life you give a damn about the jersey, the fans and your teammates. Culture is non-existent it needs urgent attention unless mediocrity is acceptable. Do you even watch the games at all?
kiwijack
Guest
No.6 easy Arron Cruden, and a goal kicker as well.
kiwijack
Guest
Mason Lino can't do any worse than those there now. Probably try harder than Johnson.
Steve Wilson
Guest
Not even in the same ball park comparing rugby union to rugby league in terms of polynesian attitudes at a young age.The All Blacks sit comfortably in between family and the church, warriors are an afterthought.. Rugby league is still seen as rugby union's poorer brother in NZ.Hence different worth ethics, different internal standards and benchmarks, junior talent pool etc.... And rugby union in australia is laughable, only a handfull of selected private schools, and on the decline rapidly. Standard is horrible, so really no comparison from beliefs to junior systems, talent pools, funding, high performance units, etc.....
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
Just one, and it's long and white.
Jacko
Guest
Ron if you had cared to read some of the many other anti Warriors articles before writing your own you would know my opinion on letting go Lolohea and Hurrell and also in appointing Cappy and then Kearney as coaches. As for having the NZ spine well how did NZ go with that spine...Selecting people who cannot do the job means nothing about where those people play at club level. The major surprise with this article is that you come across as very anti the Warriors so one has to question why you are writing these sorts of articles at all. Is it so you feel better about your own club? I cant come up with any other reasons apart from some deep seated anger you have towards either the Warriors or NZers in general. Its hard to be sure which it is as at times you are trying to be a fan and at times you are the anti-fan...All those players you say played with this passion etc well how did they go? What trophy's do they have their name on? Glad you have an opinion but I dissagree with your opinion
Jacko
Guest
How many won Ron?
kk
Roar Pro
Ron, for many seasons Roarers have urged the Kiwis to recruit with some degree of intelligence. They seem to live in the clouds.
kk
Roar Pro
Birdy, with much regret woodwork was my worst subject.
Jeffrey Dun
Roar Rookie
It will be interesting to see what Cleary can do with Tui Lolohea when he joins the Tigers. (I assume that is who you are speaking of.) So much talent and potential languishing in Reggies. Lolo is overweight and seems completely devoid of confidence. The Warriors coaching staff have a lot to answer for.
mushi
Guest
As the author said... the All-blacks seem to be able to manage a half decent side with the same issues.
Steve Wilson
Guest
The problem lies in adolescence my friends. Because polynesians are physically bigger than caucasion kids, they have a massive natural advantage until about the age of 19. And the single biggest thing they are missing out on during the years of say 13-19 years of age, is the learning of mental toughness that comes with a caucasion boy who has endured 5-6 years of constantly testing his intestinal fortitude by playing against polynesians who are 40-60 kilos heavier in some cases , but of the same age group. Its very easy to say polynesians have more skill, so they should when they can pick up a football in one hand at age 12, due to sheer size, but the caucasion boy holds onto it for dear life, knowing that he must run into holes, he must outwork his polynesian opponent and he must grind him to a standstill before he dare starts to play any football etc... Differently wired from a very young age, and here in lies the most influential factor as to why the warriors are inconsistent, dissapointing, deflating etc..... You see even the junior football is now geared towards helping the bigger kids who are overweight, no actually obese, unlimited interchange, smaller fields, halfback must pass the football, no kicking on early tackles etc...... That's another reason why we don't produce dominant halves.... but that's another story. Warriors need to look at coming to Australian schoolboy carnivals and buying the best australian caucasion kids, taking them back to NZ, and changing their football culture at an earlier age, as its to late when they get to under 20's and Nrl level.
Sylvester
Guest
I get fairly frustrated with Johnson at times but statistically this season he's superior to Cronk and just slightly below Pearce. We do need more awesome Aussies though - Bukuya, Lattimore, Jono Wright etc were great additions to the lineup.
Sylvester
Guest
The same Cleary sent packing from his last two clubs?
Sylvester
Guest
If Mason Lino is the answer, I can't even conceive what the question is.
Jeff dustby
Guest
Check the make up of those sides and any successful NRL side