Success is what every team aims for each NRL season but, being an annual competition with 16 teams and only one winner, that means there are 15 unsuccessful teams.
Most successful teams of an era have supporters that love them (as they do) and most other fans hating them.
I’ve seen this happen with Melbourne from 2006 onwards, Manly 2007 onwards and the Roosters 2013 onwards.
Even when their level of success drops, the hatred tends to stick and I’m pretty sure that’s how us NSW supporters felt during Queensland’s legendary eight-in-a-row streak.
Successful teams are the villains, they win the big one or are there for years in succession and become the Antichrist. When St George Dragons won 11 in a row, they most likely were the most hated team.
This is part of life. If you’re the most successful at your job or towards your goals, a lot of people will praise you but you’ll get more hate out of jealousy.
So here’s a warning towards my fellow Knights fans: give a few years with Adam O’Brien and just like he pushed Melbourne and Sydney with his style, we will become the villain – then Antichrist – of the competition.
Guess what the best thing about that is? There’s nothing wrong with it. Because it’s way better being hated for who you are and what you achieved, than being loved for who you’re not and what you don’t achieve.
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