Souths coach Jason Demetriou fronted the media this morning ahead of Souths’ clash with Cronulla, which will prove pivotal in his attempt to keep his job following the club’s horror start to 2024.
Yet with his job on the line, the coach wasn’t interested in discussion, ending his presser after just 27 seconds and four questions, all taken from Souths’ in-house media.
“We’ve had a great week at training, the energy through the week has been outstanding,” he began, before being asked another soft-baller about the club’s three youngsters, whom he brought into the squad.
“There are new blokes coming in, Jye Gray, Tyrone Munro, Davvy Moale is back. I’m excited by the energy they have brought.”
On himself, he added: “I’m really looking forward to the performance – I can’t wait, the energy is through the roof” and on his future, Demetriou said”
“I believe I’m coaching for a great performance this week, and that’s what we’ll get.”
And that was that. 73 words, 27 seconds, four questions. It was bizarre, beating Darius Boyd’s famous 40-second long effort from 2009 for the shortest NRL press conference ever.
Such was the exasperation that one journalist could be heard asking “That’s it?” as Demetriou exited stage left.
The entire charade gave the impression of a coach at the end of his tether with the media – or one who knows that the result at the weekend is immaterial in saving his job.
Souths have insisted from the highest level that they are behind the coach, albeit while news has simultaneously swirled that Mal Meninga – who has no history at all with short media appearances – is being lined up as an interim.
“I know there’s interest,” the Kangaroos coach told SEN radio yesterday.
“That’s the first I have to say, but there’s been no official anything so far. I felt a bit sorry for what’s happening at the club at the moment obviously, we want to see a South Sydney Rabbitohs firing in our game.
“I feel a bit sorry for the coach at the moment, there’s been a lot of media speculation … without any comment from me because I’ve got nothing really to comment about because there’s been no official conversation been held at all.”
Twice mentioning that there had been ‘no official’ links does suggest heavily that there have been unofficial links, and Demetriou likely wouldn’t take kindly to his bosses shopping for a replacement while he is still in post.
Then again, it would be a serious oversight on the part of the Souths higher-ups if they did not take steps to find the next guy ahead of time if there was a feeling that they were about to part ways with the coach.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I think the sympathy aspect's separate, Andrew. Should we feel sorry for him and should he remain Souths coach given the results from round 12 last year, is a different to, did he handle that press conference okay? He can't fix what ails Souths and is in denial about that, so no sympathy required. As for the other.......?
Stewy76
Roar Rookie
What are you up to next season Dumbo.. might have a little coaching role for you. :silly:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Souths are beginning to resemble the 2022-2023 Tigers, characterised by inadequate management, frequent defeats, ineffective coaching changes, and a systemic decay originating from the leadership..
Tony Harper
Editor
You can't be serious. The four questions were ALL from the Souths' own employee. They were never going to be loaded. The guy works for the club.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Bingo! Add to that holding back Jye Gray to keep Latrell at FB claiming he had a duty of care to Gray which got thrown out the window when Demetriou was trying to save his job.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
You're right about being loaded, there was bait there, which JD didn't take. .
Badwolf
Roar Rookie
Anyone wondering why JD is getting sacked, look no further than the selection of Michael Cheekam over Tallis Duncan for this weeks game. Or perhaps Milne on the wing instead of Jacob Gagai. JD has a history of head scratching selections and it has come back to bite him. The end can't come soon enough imo.
Ed Gein
Roar Rookie
Whatever you think of the coach and how the team is playing, you have to love him not giving the parasites baying for his sacking (just so they can get clicks or content) the time of day.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I'm with Demetriou on this one. Standing in front of the guy trying to bait him about losing his job to get a reaction is sensationalist journalism pure and simple. At this point things appear to be out of Demetriou's hands. All he can do is wait and see if a dramatic reversal of form and an unlikely 2 competition points can throw him a lifeline. I don't see a dramatic reversal of form on the cards for Souths. At best Jye Gray, Tyrone Munro and Davvy Moale may have a positive impact, along with Latrell's absence strangely enough. But I am not expecting an upset. I think it is best for both Demetriou and the Rabbitohs to part ways. The timing is right with a Bye looming and Mal Meninga keen to take over the head coach role ASAP. That change is the only hope IMO of seeing a positive change of attitude from both Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker. Time to rip off the band aid Souths and look to the future.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Both Solly and Ellison should join Demetriou at Centrelink.
Tony Harper
Editor
What are you on about? There were four questions. All from a person holding a Bunnies microphone. Loaded questions?
steveng
Roar Rookie
If and when JD goes so should Solly and a few others at top of Souths management should also be sacked, as their efforts would not retain their positions in any other business on this planet as it would go broke!
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Tim Sheens did well at Canberra. I'd add Paul Vautin, but that's not club football.
aerial lizard
Roar Rookie
I'm with Big Gordie, he retained his dignity as well as he could, i.e. didn't snot anyone, said goodbye and strolled off. As far as I am concerned, squashing a person having a crap run with blatant lies, speculation, and enough half truths to fly it, is a disgusting, parasitic way to earn a quid. Fox is the lowest of the low.
aerial lizard
Roar Rookie
I can get how a journalist doesn't understand his situation, after all media had a big hand in it.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
I would have had some respect for him if he had started by saying: "Gentlemen, I'm happy to answer all your questions about the team selection and the up-coming game. I'm not going to take questions on speculation over my future - this press conference is limited to the up-coming match". . Then at the first question about his future, he would have said: "OK, if there are no more questions about the team and the match, we'll finish the press conference." . At which point he could have walked out with some dignity.
Ben Pobjie
Expert
This is rugby league - what on earth is "dignity"?
Ben Pobjie
Expert
Everyone must justify their existence, and administrators do it by sacking coaches. The old aphorism: "Something must be done. This is something. Therefore we must do this."
Ben Pobjie
Expert
Personally I wish the rule was that every press conference had to stay under 27 seconds.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Agree S76. From my observation of the press conference the "press" were attempting to create a story and got what they deserved, a truncated press conference. He answered the loaded questions professionally, no "Angry" conference as the heading suggests.