It's absolutely clear to all that Millward's recruitment/retention and negotiations skills did not delver a positive result when it comes to the retention of Dugan and Packer. A serious matter when you consider these two players wanted to stay and are key first grade players at our Club. What is worse is that it seems he does not have a plan B. To revert to play untested juniors in these two key positions is madness and a step backwards in the team's development.
Possm, I don't think it is fair to judge Millward on just Dugan and Packer. He is the same guy who has brought us Vaughan, who was referred to by some on the Forum as a "second-grader"and McInnes, whose departure some Forum posters claimed Souths fans were celebrating, as well as Ben Hunt next year. Apart from Packer he has the forward pack stitched up as well as some good young forwards. He has also signed up a range of good, young backs. I am just anxious now that the first grade backs are resigned ASAP especially Lafai and Mann, but also Milne. I hope too that Hutch is not forgotten.
Other posters have been critical of Millward as being amongst "the jobs for the boys" brigade. Ideally every position would be held by the best person for the role. Indeed I would like to see more transparency in the selection of individuals for the most important positions. For example, instead of extending Mary's tenure or terminating his role I would love to see the job thrown open to all candidates who might seek the coaching job. Why not see who other than Mary would be interested? As far as I can recall that was last done after the disastrous 2000 season, although I don't remember how open the candidature was.
But it is only natural that gravitation back to your own club occurs across all the clubs. Consider where coaches get their start. Think of Gould, Hasler, Fulton, Furner, Fittler, Toovey, Anderson, Folkes, Gibson, Henjak and Hagan to name a few. Luke Bailey gets a start as an assistant with Illawarra. Who could object? seems like commonsense. At least in Millward's case he has coached for some years in the Super League to broaden his experience.