A fresh season is nearly upon us, and while everyone is hungry for success, those responsible for providing it are under the blowtorch.
Here are five of players, coaches and clubs who will be feeling the heat in 2020.
Matt Moylan
The hottest new kid on the block in 2014, Moylan and Jamie Soward propelled the Panthers to a preliminary final, before injury prematurely ended his 2015.
Under a new coach in 2016, Moylan spearheaded the Panthers’ finals campaign, this time only getting them to Week 2.
Signed to a long-term deal after playing Origin in 2016, and unveiled as captain for 2017, Moylan bizarrely went AWOL at the pointy end of 2017 and in 2018 he was wearing Sharks colours.
Once talked about as the future Darren Lockyer, with plenty of match-winning highlights to boot, the last two seasons have been mediocre. Shifted between fullback and five-eighth, he has barely rated a mention in Origin discussions.
Now part of a jam-packed backline, it’s time for Moylan to return to his best football.
With Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend the obvious halves partnership, Moylan will start the year at the back, but with Josh Dugan on big money and also having played fullback, the pressure is on.
On paper, this side has a great roster, and the running game of Johnson, the control of Townsend and the ball-playing of Moylan should bring plenty of points.
If they don’t, it will add fuel to rumours of cultural problems.
AAP Image/Daniel Muñoz
Paul McGregor
This is the seventh season ‘Mary’ has been mentor at the Dragons and it hasn’t been a joyous ride. The Red V have made the finals a couple of times under McGregor but never looked premiership material.
The side were plain awful to watch at the end of last season and it led to a club review headed by Phil Gould.
In his time, McGregor he has made significant signings, not least Ben Hunt, but he struggles to get the most out of players week to week.
While Gareth Widdop’s departure is a big hole to fill, it also means the club have lost an excuse, and cannot be depending on Widdop to spearhead their campaign.
Hunt and Corey Norman have 400 games of NRL experience between them and have both been deemed good enough to play Origin. The pair lead a backline that is young but has plenty to offer, while there’s plenty of experience in the forwards.
St George Illawarra might not have a premiership-winning squad, but it is a competitive one, and far better than other clubs in terms of their spine.
Unfortunately for McGregor, if his charges start slowly, he is the common denominator and might be out the door well before his contract expires.
Is Paul McGregor the right man to lead the Dragons? (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)
Anthony Milford
58-0. What a way to end a season. It eliminated the achievement of getting to the finals in the first place.
Brisbane’s capitulation to Parramatta in the first week of the finals last year cannot be squarely placed on one player – it shows how far off the pace the team is as a whole.
Milford reminds me a lot of Matt Moylan. On his day he is a bona fide match-winner, at other times he can be the most frustratingly uninterested player on the field.
The difference is that Milford is the highest-paid player, in a one-club city where standards have always been higher than at other clubs.
They have a proud history of making the finals and contesting premierships, but Brisbane is in a drought and the fans are getting restless.
Many felt Milford deserved the Clive Churchill in a losing side in the 2015 grand final, such was his performance, but five years on and he isn’t the talented rookie or young gun he was back then, he is an Origin representative with 170 NRL matches under his belt.
The last champion five-eighth at Brisbane had a couple of qualities that Milford needs to work on. Lockyer made things happen and wanted his hands on the football when the game was there to be won. Milford needs to do the same with the profile he has and the money he is on.
Milford cannot sit back and be choosey about his involvement, he needs to turn a game and have that influence or the Broncos face another mediocre exit.
Stephen Kearney
I feel sorry for the coach of the Warriors, I really do – it’s the hardest gig in the NRL coaching ranks.
What should be such a vibrant, talented team, with a home fortress full of parochial fans is quite often the most disappointing team.
In a results-driven business, Stephen Kearney doesn’t have the results.
I was sceptical about his appointment from the word go and my thoughts haven’t changed. He struggled big time at Parramatta and has done the same across the ditch.
In the same way that players go to Melbourne and seem to get better, players go to New Zealand and seem to get worse.
The Warriors need a coach like Craig Bellamy, Des Hasler or Trent Robinson – a disciplinarian who isn’t intimidated by the challenge, the players or the culture. They need to start again with a focus on development and a long-term strategy.
I haven’t seen evidence of this from the Warriors for a long time. They tolerate the enigmatic, talented players who fire seemingly when they choose, and they haven’t had the resolve in defence required to compete in a long time.
They often rely on a player with a touch of brilliance to boost their wins column but who cannot provide them with consistency.
Sadly I don’t see Kearney as the man to bring about the change necessary to be competitive. This will be the fourth season with Kearney in charge, and if he can’t get them winning in September, I don’t know why they would persevere.
Stephen Kearney (AAP Image/Robb Cox)
Newcastle Knights
I could happily support Newcastle if I were to live there and I have an admiration for their supporters, especially through the last five years of pain.
It felt like a real changing of the guard moment last season when Mitchell Pearce ducked under the sticks to score a try against the Roosters, rising to his feet to kiss the Knights’ badge in a not-so-subtle display of his loyalty.
Friday night, massive home crowd and a win over the reigning premiers. It looked like the Knights were destined for September as they surged towards the top of the ladder.
It wasn’t to be though, as Newcastle crashed and burned to end the season. A big loss to the Panthers and the head coach resigning were daggers in the heart of a once-again optimistic fan-base.
The Knights don’t have excuses. A new coach brings about a change of philosophy and Adam O’Brien will want to put his own spin on things.
But this is a talented and balanced roster that has shown the kind of football they can produce on their day. The challenge will be to get back off the canvas and work their way into September.
a
Roar Rookie
Where’s Paul Green
Cyril Snodgrass
Guest
As usual ,NRL coaches are the ones under the pump. Maguire...the Balmain Mapies usually finish around half way Kearney...the Hapless Warriors rarely deliver Pay....the Dogs....lack grit these days Stuart......has lost the last 3 grand finals as a coach...must have the yips nowdays Morris...still a rookie Holbrook....has been handed a poisoned chalice Green ...on the slide after a very lucky GF win Mary....how many chances can this bloke get? Bennett....living on past results...when did he last win a comp? Brad Arthur.......probably not Newcastle....no pressure for O'Brien....must rack up the wins Siebold........who will ever forget the 58-0 hiding in their last game? Penrith...Cleary has failed to deliver Leaving Des,Bellamy and Robbo to sleep soundly and fight for the 2020 holy grail as for players... Latrell Mitchell has to be the bloke under most pressure. he stated that it was a "chore" playing centre in a team which won two comps in a row. let's see how he goes playing fullback behind a very weakened forward pack....and producing each and every game Darius Boyd has hung around one year too long Mitchell Pearce...often talks the talk.....you know the rest Ryan Matterson...wanted more cash...now deliver Curtis Scott.......just has to behave,like most of society Nathan Cleary....now that Jimmy has gone....no pressure
Randy
Roar Rookie
I would say the Cleary's but I get the feeling many people have gone a bit cold on Nathan. The Panthers seem to be under the radar this offseason as well which often suits them better than having expectations. Seibold and the Broncos will be under huge pressure cause it's the Broncos. I know a few Broncos fans who already talk about Brodie Croft like he is a saviour for them.
Big Daddy
Guest
Not sure what's going on at Cronulla but losing young Brailey, Flanagan and Capewell and the retirement of Gallen suggests they are under a bit of salary cap pressure. Their backline of Moylan, Dugan, Johnson and now Damien take up a fair bit of space. Also Dugan's mind doesn't appear to be in the right place plus vacating their ground puts more pressure on them. Wouldn't be surprised they missed the 8.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Nat, personally I think young Latrell shot himself in the foot. :happy: The whole thing had me and I say many others along with me totally flummoxed. It was bizarre. He is a brilliant talent but if he does not get what appears far too many outside distractions out of his life I fear we will never see what he may be capable of delivering as an NRL player and that regardless of my team allegiance would be a shame. I may not have been an Eels supporter but by golly there was nothing more delightful in seeing Eric Groth in full flight on a Saturday arvo, Mitchell has a similar ability but will we see it, that is the question.
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Good stuff JA As a Sharks fan however, I did spot one omission. Shaun Johnson can think himself very lucky not to have made the list. While supremely talented he and Moylan can also go missing in defence, take poor options with the ball and seem to lack the intense will to win desperation we see in truly great players. Give me talented and hungry youngsters any day over blokes who rely on touch footy skills to keep them on nice salaries. Whatever goose let Kyle Flanagan go can report to Northies this evening for several kicks up the arse.
Nat
Roar Guru
Mary and Kearney are chalk and cheese. Where NZ need stability to enhance their culture, the Saints have been very patient but the writing is on the banners. We can talk potential but if the Warriors are 8 - 13 quality team, that's a bit of breathing space for Kearney. The Saints have shown they can beat most on their day so when they fail so badly, well, they can't sack 30 players... Stability is probably an apt word for Milf and Moylan. Injuries, form team performance have played a roll in Moylan failing to live up to expectations. However, he, Johnson and Townsend are used to controlling their respective teams. It did appear they were lacking one leader, everyone was a little tentative. IMO they need clear, distinct roles and let them run. Milford, 4 halves partners and a positional change last season offered no continuity. Yes, he does drift for sure and He's not an organiser in the halves or FB. At least with Croft he can just focus on heads up play. I can only hope he'll pick up his game and he's got every opportunity to do so.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That’s a fair call about his talent. I acknowledged his injuries but also mentioned consistency. He also had a few ordinary performances and his last couple of seasons at the Panthers was similar. A couple of great games per season with lots of dross in between He looks a world beater when he’s on but can look completely disinterested when he’s not
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Mary can save his job by moving Hunt to hooker straight away. He isn't a half.
Nat
Roar Guru
ohh, there's a little bit of salt there ND. :stoked:
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Andrew, when you look at the cold hard figures of reality I have to agree in regard to Cleary, for a coach of 319 NRL games he only has a win rate of 47% which is pretty dismal in comparison to the likes of Bellamy, Robinson & Bennett all 3 in the mid to high 60's in winning percentage. Kearney has only coached 115 NRL games but at just under 36% really needs to show something or I doubt that the Club could afford to keep him on. Mc Gregor ( who is probably a relation from ancestry back in Scotland) has coached only 137 games @ 47 % As a comparison, Trent Robinson has only coached 185 NRL games but his success rate is almost 65% and Bellamy with the bench mark even above Bennett. 449 games at a an amazing win ratio of just under 69% The figures do not lie and in fact makes your argument even stronger as the gap between Cleary & Bellamy is as wide as the great Australian bight
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Barry; your last line sums up the Moylan situation ….injury free… bit like the Cherry Evans situation which improved dramatically last season. I sort of see similarities in the two.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Fit & confident Moylan is a pretty handy player to have around, however I doubt he has been fully fit for a couple of seasons. What surprises me about your piece is however is the fact that Mr Mitchell never got a Guernsey....Yes I know he has been done to death for months however,one would think that considering the on going saga surrounding his departure from the Roosters and his desire to be in the lime light playing at full back he would have to well and truly prove his worth from the get go or I would imagine he will become a laughing stock.
kk
Roar Pro
Good Read, Jack. The Knights may have a better opportunity under O'Brien. A cursory perusal of the 2019 NRL stats shows they finished : 16th with All Runs/ Kick ret. M/ Offloads and Ineffective tackles. 15th with Possession/ Post contact M./ Decoy runs/ All run M./Kick ret M./ All Recpts. 14th with Errors. 13th with Line engaged/ Try assists/ Tackles. Correcting those for a start may be enough to see them in the top 8. Making Turton Road a fortress to be feared again would also help.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Doogs an $800k / year Bluebag.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
He only started in 11 games last year and in 4 of those didn’t last the 80. Just when he looked right, finals were looming and was beginning to play hard Sam Burgess criminally ended his season. SJ sounds like he also played under injury duress for the bulk of the season. Once these two get themselves right, they’ve got some exciting still blooming talent outside of them this year in Xerri, Ramien and the soon to be new sensation Mulitalo. Keeping the faith..
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The thing Moylan has in his favor is that he looks at all the options in attack and that can make him very dangerous. Too many players who are in creative positions are too programmed in my opinion. Manu for the Chooks is an example of creativity working well. Last year I saw him hold the ball out in front of himself as if he was going to do an around the corner pass but it was a superb piece of deception and he did something else very effective. Coaches must play some role in this. The Sharks have a scary back line on paper but it didn't appear on grass so much last season. I'm always concerned about players who declare how good they are and feel they are underappreciated like Dugan did a few years back. Mitchell is heading down the same line if he's not careful and unfortunately Dani Levi is talking himself up , I hope he can back it up. Dugan seems to have developed a mindset to prove his critics wrong more than being a reliable intelligent footballer and I don't think it's a good idea.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! He has had a dodgy hammy for a few seasons, and that not only impacts his time on the park, but also what is going on in his head . A fit and happy Moylan would be a massive bonus to the Sharks. Time will tell if he can get back there.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Moylan is a tough one. He was great for us in patches in 2018 and last year, but the bloke was also playing injured for most of the time. When he was on the park in 2019 it was rare for us to have even close to our first pick team all fit, and our coach got sacked for being a first class idiot literally days before the season kicked off. It's hard to judge a man on that. I agree that with a good off season behind him it's time for Matt to step up. When he is on he is really on. If we can get him and Johnson both on the park and firing at the same time and stay consistent we are in for a great season. I wouldn't be too worried about Dugan if I was him. Sure Josh pulled out some big plays for us last season, even won us a few games, but only after doing his best to lose it with some incredibly inconsistent play. The jury is still out on Josh Dugan for me, one of my most written lines last season was "Josh Dugan, he was a good buy" and the majority was written in frustration. There is a reason the Sharks are shopping him around, and a reason other clubs are not falling over themselves to scoop him up. Coaches are all on the block, all the time right?? Mary has been kissed by the fairies and it looks like it will take something incredibly special to unseat him. If the Dragons of 2019 didn't do it then I am not sure what will. Anthony Milford is another odd one. He's a dangerous player, but has been lacking the support he needs to play to his strength. If anything, last season showed us he is not a controlling half. Get a good controlling half beside him, with those awesome big boys the Broncos have in front and watch him go. Bring on season 2020 so you can all argue about who will finish second to the mighty Sharks. Up Up
Watcher
Guest
League in NZ has always been a lot less visible than Union. However those a bit longer in the tooth may remember the Auckland teams of the 70s who beat all comers including the Kangaroos. They were hard men who worked for a living and were mostly 'working class'. The groundwork was done by the Auckland clubs, but were taken over by the suits, headlined by Ian Robson who is still detested here So they stumbled along with a succession of average Coaches and Owners, trying to be the entertainers. That is a recipe for disaster and so it has proved.