A key element of success in life and in sport is a winning attitude.
It’s the drive and desire to succeed. That’s what the Newcastle Knights need to finally crack the top eight again. And i’m not just talking about the players; I’m also talking about the fans.
Let’s consider the difference a positive attitude brought some other sides between 2018 and 2019.
In 2018 Manly was the worst defensive team in the competition. By 2019 the Sea Eagles were sixth on the ladder and made it to the second week of the finals.
Parramatta claimed the wooden spoon in 2018, but just 12 months later the Eels were fifth, made it to the second week of the finals, breaking the all-time record for the highest score and biggest winning margin in a final.
At the end of the 2018 season Canberra finished tenth, but in 2019 the Raiders were runners-up and took Sydney to the limit in the grand final.
In 2019 Newcastle finished 11th, but a winning attitude is all that’s needed to close the gap to eighth. It’s clearly been done before.
You have two kinds of people. Those who say I might and those who say I will. Those who say they might are already predetermining failure, and if they succeed, it’s due to sheer dumb luck. Those who say they will mostly go on to achieve their goals and have a mindset that it’s not failure but just delayed success if they don’t get there as soon as they’d hoped.
I saw a lot of fans criticise our players big time this year, voicing opinions about who should be dropped, who’s overrated and how much they should be paid. We won’t be undefeated this season, so here’s an idea: let us know if you have played in the NRL, and if you haven’t, keep your opinions to yourself and let our boys play.
It’s a new era now. The rebuilding days are over. We have the coach to bring the winning attitude to our players and turn them around. It won’t happen straight away, and I think I’ve told you to be patient more than enough times.
Just keep being there for our team, as we have been in the dark days, and keep a winning attitude.
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
And the whole "if you haven't played NRL, you don't know what you're talking about" is a low IQ argument. It suggests only those who speak from authority are allowed to speak, which makes this article even more ridiculous. It's beyond me how these articles get published!
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
They need more than just a winning attitude. They need to actually learn how to win.
My Little Pony
Roar Rookie
Adrian, if you think having played in the NRL is a prerequisite for knowing anything about the game then what is your view of Adam O'Brien?
PT
Guest
people stopped caring about Newcastle after they failed to crack the eight in 2018
Big Daddy
Guest
What they need is "attitude" and a statue of Andrew John's. While he's off lining his pockets from other clubs who are willing to pay for his expertise he could be back at Newcastle guiding the young guys but while there's good money out there we know that won't happen.
Randy
Roar Rookie
Some might say that having a positive/winning attitude is what brings good luck, creates opportunities and attracts winners... i wouldn't, i'm a negative bastard.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Playing in the NRL isn't a prerequisite for having an opinion. I haven't played in the NRL and I don't see the Knights making the 8 next year.
Andrew
Guest
So the Raiders went from 10th to 2nd because they had a winning attitude? Nothing to do with their new wrestling and/or ball stripping tactic, having better players (like Bateman and CNK), or having their most talented player (Hodgson) available for more than 11 games? And you want fans having an opinion on who should be in and who should be out. If they didn't care, it would indicate they don't think they can win. You're used to Newcaslte stinking no matter who they trot out; now you have options and you can win games. That is a good thing.
Paul
Roar Guru
A winning attitude last for about as long as it takes to string a few losses together, Adrian. Trust me, my Dragons have shown that pretty often in the past few seasons. A winning attitude can only come about if lots of factors are in place; a coach with a solid roster, a game plan to suit that roster's skillset & abilities, buy-in to the plan from the players, execution of the plan each and every week, etc. The sides which have dominated in recent times, the Roosters & Storm, have all of these attributes and it will come as no surprise, they also have a winning attitude. I also suggest you re-read your third last paragraph and think about what you wrote a tad more closely. Criticism of players should be welcomed, both positive and negative. Your boys looked like world beaters half way through last year, then did a Dragons and managed to not make the finals. What you SHOULD be asking for is reasoned criticism. There are plenty of contributors to the Roar and other forums who offer excellent critiques of players, coaches, etc. They have years of experience watching the game, have a very keen eye and I'm very sure none have played first grade NRL.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The Knights have recruited some big guns recently but it's the recruitment of the little guns with potential which will determine whether they can challenge for the title. I read an article which popped up on the internet about who the different clubs need to recruit and they were still banging on about Manly's lack of depth. They'e looking at a different club to the one I'm seeing. Who have the Knights recruited over the last few years who are ready to shine, Adrian? Maybe they've done a great recruiting job and they're ready to kick on. Players draw confidence from team mates who they believe are the real deal. Just like last season , 2020 will present great prospects for teams to move up the ladder and the Knights are a decent chance ........... perhaps.
a
Roar Rookie
Yeah that’s all they need
Clanger McClunk
Guest
Adrian, Adrian, settle down, take a Bex and have a good lie down. We all know a positive attitude is advantageous for anything in life but to say if you haven't played NRL to keep our opinions to ourselves is simply silly. Why write an article on an open forum if you don't want opinions from non players. Your zealotry is a credit to you as every club needs hyped up supporters rather than fair weather sailors however you are defeating your own purpose. Newcastle does have the talent to do much better next year and I for one hope they do. Let's hope the party lifestyle that has been around the Knights for a couple of decades is long gone and the whole club goes head down and arse up towards bigger things in 2020.