In Fitzy We Trust

[Since 73]

As long as its a cracking game and both sides ripped in Fitz is happy.
The halves are still learning their trade and the more games they get under their belt the better it will be for the team.
The guys are working hard and they'll take some lessons from tonight but all in all he was happy with the effort.

 

[Russell Crowe's Band]

hahah
maaan

 

[Ozzi_78]

As long as its a cracking game and both sides ripped in Fitz is happy.
The halves are still learning their trade and the more games they get under their belt the better it will be for the team.
The guys are working hard and they'll take some lessons from tonight but all in all he was happy with the effort.

I hear this in Fitz voice. Chin rubbing and all.

 

[Since 73]

What Andrew Webster has done over the ditch is a revelation.
That place has been a graveyard for many coaches.

Webster has flipped the culture of the place, the mindset, 180 degrees.
They didnt beat Melbourne last weekend. They belted them. Not only on the scoreboard, physically they were going after them in numbers to hurt them.

A few things to compare against our club:
Webster's intelligence in post match pressers. His breakdown of the game, especially after a loss is impressive. This guy has an intelligent technical knowledge of what his team did wrong.

Everyone of his players are playing the best football of their careers. It would be fair to say nobody at the sharks is. Some could even be said to be playing their worst and some have gone backwards. Nikora. BHU. Tom. AFB. Ramien. Burns. And why cant Brayley kick on.

He needed an enforcer. He got Fisher Harris who has not only gone to another level but has brought that young pack on with him. He has taught them how to play tough
What they did to the storm was great to watch.
Webster got JFH. One of the best 2 props in the game.
Fitz got the other - AFB. This bloke has gone backwards. He is a shell of what he was at the Wahs where he lined up to score tries for fun, pounding through the defensive line.
He ain't interested. He is just part of a pack that shows no enthusiasm for winning the battle in the middle.

Halfback.
NZ cuts their favourite son SJ loose. All the talent in the world but they are over his rocks and diamonds - season after season.
He comes here for a few years and does okay. Is injured a fair bit but does ok.
Webster takes him home and under this coach he has the best career he's ever had. He is lights out.
Webster probably doesn't knows much about everything, and maybe playing 7 is one of those things so he gets Stacey Jones- champion halfback - on his roster.
Not only does SJ have his best year Luke Metcalfe also goes there and would have won the DALLY M if hes doesn't do a major injury.
Tanah Boyd fills in. A guy who has tried and failed at a few clubs.
Guess what - Boyd is now in career best form. Wahs were 5 from 5 and he kept his spot when metcalfe returned.
Stacey Jones- still there.

Our halves. Nothing to add about these 2 that hasnt been repeated ad nauseum but who on our staff in the past 4 years has been the mentor to these guys?
Who is the explicit tactician who works tirelessly with them to improve their game?
Hannay - ex centre?
Fitz - ex backrower?
Holdsworth - ex nobody?
Steve Price - ex and current nuffie?

Our coach sits in pressers and on a loop states the halves are still working on their game. Still learning their craft.

This attitude. Right there - is why we win nothing. Fitz doesnt know there is a problem and if he does he lacks the initiative to know how to fix it.

Webster's determination to leave no stone unturned has them winning.

I put up a vid here a few weeks ago of Jimmy M talking about training halves today and what they need to do and what they do wrong. He talks about junior halves coming through and how they're taught to set up for the big play all the time and how they should instead be getting their side to where they need to attack from, and so on. He knows this shit.
This guy has done it.
This guy is a winner.
This guy is available.
This guy was a shark.
He coached us in 2016.
Fitz has 2 muppets sit either side of him in the box each week who, it would seem, offer four-fifths of not much.

Meanwhile our 6 and 7 try to work out a puzzle they've been working on for nearly 4 years for no improvement.

Robson got Cronk for Sam Walker.
Now he's got DCE.
Bellamy got kev walters on staff for cronk as well as fly matt johns down for specialist coaching sessions.

These are high profile successful coaches who know players in the positions which make a difference need specialist coaches. There is no body at our club to provide this.

And this we sit and marvel at the continuing stagnation of our roster.

 

[Cheese sandwich]

I agree with some of that, however it must be said that us and the tigers gave the warriors a hiding this year and Webster finished 4th in his first season there (2023) and then we've finished above them 2 seasons in a row since.

I am frustrated with this permanent near enough is good enough rut we are in though

 

[PJ]

What Andrew Webster has done over the ditch is a revelation.
That place has been a graveyard for many coaches.

Webster has flipped the culture of the place, the mindset, 180 degrees.
They didnt beat Melbourne last weekend. They belted them. Not only on the scoreboard, physically they were going after them in numbers to hurt them.

A few things to compare against our club:
Webster's intelligence in post match pressers. His breakdown of the game, especially after a loss is impressive. This guy has an intelligent technical knowledge of what his team did wrong.

Everyone of his players are playing the best football of their careers. It would be fair to say nobody at the sharks is. Some could even be said to be playing their worst and some have gone backwards. Nikora. BHU. Tom. AFB. Ramien. Burns. And why cant Brayley kick on.

He needed an enforcer. He got Fisher Harris who has not only gone to another level but has brought that young pack on with him. He has taught them how to play tough
What they did to the storm was great to watch.
Webster got JFH. One of the best 2 props in the game.
Fitz got the other - AFB. This bloke has gone backwards. He is a shell of what he was at the Wahs where he lined up to score tries for fun, pounding through the defensive line.
He ain't interested. He is just part of a pack that shows no enthusiasm for winning the battle in the middle.

Halfback.
NZ cuts their favourite son SJ loose. All the talent in the world but they are over his rocks and diamonds - season after season.
He comes here for a few years and does okay. Is injured a fair bit but does ok.
Webster takes him home and under this coach he has the best career he's ever had. He is lights out.
Webster probably doesn't knows much about everything, and maybe playing 7 is one of those things so he gets Stacey Jones- champion halfback - on his roster.
Not only does SJ have his best year Luke Metcalfe also goes there and would have won the DALLY M if hes doesn't do a major injury.
Tanah Boyd fills in. A guy who has tried and failed at a few clubs.
Guess what - Boyd is now in career best form. Wahs were 5 from 5 and he kept his spot when metcalfe returned.
Stacey Jones- still there.

Our halves. Nothing to add about these 2 that hasnt been repeated ad nauseum but who on our staff in the past 4 years has been the mentor to these guys?
Who is the explicit tactician who works tirelessly with them to improve their game?
Hannay - ex centre?
Fitz - ex backrower?
Holdsworth - ex nobody?
Steve Price - ex and current nuffie?

Our coach sits in pressers and on a loop states the halves are still working on their game. Still learning their craft.

This attitude. Right there - is why we win nothing. Fitz doesnt know there is a problem and if he does he lacks the initiative to know how to fix it.

Webster's determination to leave no stone unturned has them winning.

I put up a vid here a few weeks ago of Jimmy M talking about training halves today and what they need to do and what they do wrong. He talks about junior halves coming through and how they're taught to set up for the big play all the time and how they should instead be getting their side to where they need to attack from, and so on. He knows this shit.
This guy has done it.
This guy is a winner.
This guy is available.
This guy was a shark.
He coached us in 2016.
Fitz has 2 muppets sit either side of him in the box each week who, it would seem, offer four-fifths of not much.

Meanwhile our 6 and 7 try to work out a puzzle they've been working on for nearly 4 years for no improvement.

Robson got Cronk for Sam Walker.
Now he's got DCE.
Bellamy got kev walters on staff for cronk as well as fly matt johns down for specialist coaching sessions.

These are high profile successful coaches who know players in the positions which make a difference need specialist coaches. There is no body at our club to provide this.

And this we sit and marvel at the continuing stagnation of our roster.

I think Maloney may be the sort of guy you get in short term.

Seems to have left every club without an extension

 

[R-15-3]

The harshness on Fitz is wrong imo.

Given the squad and who’s been on the market we have achieved more than anyone expected.

We don’t have the best playersand are missing an X factor but we still win games.

Fitz has made a few recruitment errors but hindsight is a magical thing.

Can anyone find a post from that time that didn’t want Hynes resigned, the length or the price? Shit happens

Most where and are happy with AFB has he been a bit quiet yes but still top 10 prop in the game and strengthend our weakest position.

The worst luck part is Dykes & Ison, Fitz has know our attack has needed an X factor at the back for nearly 4 seasons.

 

[2012....Sharks Year]

The harshness on Fitz is wrong imo.

Given the squad and who’s been on the market we have achieved more than anyone expected.

We don’t have the best playersand are missing an X factor but we still win games.

Fitz has made a few recruitment errors but hindsight is a magical thing.

Can anyone find a post from that time that didn’t want Hynes resigned, the length or the price? Shit happens

Most where and are happy with AFB has he been a bit quiet yes but still top 10 prop in the game and strengthend our weakest position.

The worst luck part is Dykes & Ison, Fitz has know our attack has needed an X factor at the back for nearly 4 seasons.

It’s a long season…we’re not even a quarter of the way through it. I don’t believe it’s time for writing the season off at 3 and 3 after 6 rounds. Both the Raiders and Storm are 2 and 4 and play each other this weekend. One of them will be 2 and 5 after that game and we’ll be 4 and 3 including the bye. Need to cool the jets and see how the next 6 games pan out before shitting on all and sundry imo.

 

[shadowboxer]

I refuse to get upset about it anymore.
It’s not worth it. I could say I don’t really care, but here I am.
I don’t begrudge anyone having REALISTIC reasons for asking for more from the team. It’s therapeutic.
But as a long time supporter, I can remember times way worse than this both on and off the field.

 

[DJDL]

Fotzy has done well with the squad he has. I can't argue that.

But that can't mask the fact he has failed to evolve the squad when it's clearly needed refreshing for a couple of seasons.
Yes, there have been injuries to Dykes and Ison to contend with, but what about the forwards?
It's largely the same guys who've trotted out for the past 4 years. Quite a few of them on the downward trajectory.

I know you can't just go out and buy players if they aren't available, but our lower grades have been regulars in the finals since well before Fotzy arrived. Where are the ones coming through?
Why are guys like Tuku not developing?
Why no others?

I read an interesting article the other day relating to Flanno's comment of "I'd make changes if I had any one else who was up to it". The article pointed out the squad was entirely his and it's part of his remit to develop juniors.
I couldn't help but feel it applies to the Sharks as well.

Our style of play is also far too predictable, easy to defend and, as far as I can see, has not undergone any type transformation since Moylan left.

The first half against the Tits was a revelation - holy shit, they've worked on some moves over the summer!
But for the 11 halves of football since, we've not seen a trace of it.
Just the same old backs working it out one off the ruck, random forward taking a hit up on the 4th, one more quick run then kick and chase. Yaaaaawn.

And finally, there has been no addressing of the lack of urgency around any of our plays.
The ball hits the ground, everyone stops. Especially if we are in the lead.

Compare that to the Panthers.
There was a game earlier this year where they were up by ~40 with less than 10 to play.
I think it was against the Rooters.

Twice inside the last 10 the Rooters were attacking inside the Panthers 20 and spilled the ball.
The first time Nathan Cleary was on it in an instant.
The second, Blaize Talagi likewise.
Our mob? "We're up by 40, no need to overexert myself".
Just stand around and wait for the whistle.
Then complain to the ref when the opposition scoop it up and score.

Where's the hard edge he was supposed to bring?

I dunno.
Maybe Fotzy is hamstrung by a lack of resources around him, but until he can address these issues I'm not drinking from his Cool Aid.

 

[carinashark]

I think Maloney may be the sort of guy you get in short term.

Seems to have left every club without an extension

He probably is an abrasive ex player , difficult, always right. I like Fitz but his time is up . I don’t know who would be better. I’m just tired of

 

[Ozzi_78]

He probably is an abrasive ex player , difficult, always right. I like Fitz but his time is up . I don’t know who would be better. I’m just tired of

Good plan. Ditch the guy getting us to the semis with the 3rd highest win % of any coach over 50 games for….. some guy.

disclaimer that stat above isn’t factual but I’m pretty sure it’s close.

 

[glenmoresharkie]

Interim coach Kieran Foran is about to have as many wins this season as our superstar, long term coach

Fmd what a joke Fitz actually is. A dead set imposter.

 

[shaggs]

Interim coach Kieran Foran is about to have as many wins this season as our superstar, long term coach

Fmd what a joke Fitz actually is. A dead set imposter.

I don’t think it proves Foran is a good coach. I think it shows the playing group were laying down and not putting in. Foran has the group having a dig for the first time in months

it won’t last. Manly won’t make the 8

 

[Ozzi_78]

Says more about the manly players wanting to shaft seibold than Foran lifting them. What a bunch of merkins

 

[carinashark]

I don’t think it proves Foran is a good coach. I think it shows the playing group were laying down and not putting in. Foran has the group having a dig for the first time in months

it won’t last. Manly won’t make the 8

But neither will we.

 

[Inferno]

Some of the criticism seems to re-hash old criticisms of Fitzy in particular that he's still talking about the halves combination as developing.

It's rubbish. He has barely commented on that all year and certainly not appeared to rely on it as an excuse.

As for the idea AFB was scoring trys at will for the Wahs is unsupported by the stats.

He scored 6 trys for us last year, 8 for the Wahs in 2024 and 9 for the Wahs in 2023.

In 2021 and 2022 he scored 1 try per year for the Wahs.

AFB was the dally M prop of the year last year.

Fair effort for a bloke being accused of a shell of himself and having gone backwards under Fitzy.

 

[shaggs]

Some of the criticism seems to re-hash old criticisms of Fitzy in particular that he's still talking about the halves combination as developing.

It's rubbish. He has barely commented on that all year and certainly not appeared to rely on it as an excuse.

As for the idea AFB was scoring trys at will for the Wahs is unsupported by the stats.

He scored 6 trys for us last year, 8 for the Wahs in 2024 and 9 for the Wahs in 2023.

In 2021 and 2022 he scored 1 try per year for the Wahs.

AFB was the dally M prop of the year last year.

Fair effort for a bloke being accused of a shell of himself and having gone backwards under Fitzy.

But but but the narrative.
Also Hynes sucks and Trindall is the messiah and doesn’t make dreadful football decisions.
Stonestreet played rugby league before last year.
Ramien isn’t the best centre in our squad.
Billy burns is a genuine starting level player with fantastic defensive technique and efficiency.

 

[carinashark]

Good plan. Ditch the guy getting us to the semis with the 3rd highest win % of any coach over 50 games for….. some guy.

disclaimer that stat above isn’t factual but I’m pretty sure it’s close.

Yes that’s true Ozzie, but we’re are our juniors? Standards and results have to lifted . Do we have anyone talent spotting? Two seasons ago we should have been rebuilding. Yes ‘some guy’ that needs to start building, Fitz only ever said he had the players to do the job, well we have gone as far as we can. So Ozzie are you happy with a coach with the third highest win % of any coach over a 50 games? That % might not be doable in 2026. It might have been if we done something about the coaching staff .

 

[2012....Sharks Year]

Some of the criticism seems to re-hash old criticisms of Fitzy in particular that he's still talking about the halves combination as developing.

It's rubbish. He has barely commented on that all year and certainly not appeared to rely on it as an excuse.

As for the idea AFB was scoring trys at will for the Wahs is unsupported by the stats.

He scored 6 trys for us last year, 8 for the Wahs in 2024 and 9 for the Wahs in 2023.

In 2021 and 2022 he scored 1 try per year for the Wahs.

AFB was the dally M prop of the year last year.

Fair effort for a bloke being accused of a shell of himself and having gone backwards under Fitzy.

Shhhh…..you’re spoiling a good agenda for some of these alleged Sharks fans.