John Hart signs with Cullen Sports

[Iafeta]

Well, the man so many publically chastised following the All Black's loss in the '99 World Cup is now with Cullen Sports. He's been signed as a Director to Cullen Sports.

In my opinion, I think its a good move. Despite the '99 set back, he's been a terrifically successful coach, got a good media profile through his commentary and publications, and probably more importantly, been a successful consultant and director for a couple of major companies in NZ.

Good combination for mine. Worth remembering he'll have no direct impact on the field, he won't be working with the coaches or the first grade squad, just working to expand Cullen Sports as a product and perhaps bring better publicity to the Warriors themselves.

 

[Skinner]

That would seem to be a very sound appointment. While often maligned as a
coach, by those who live south of the Bombays, he is a very astute and very
successful businessman.

The appointment may also indicate that Cullen's brief and much criticised
foray into the other code was only the precurser for a more considered and
professional attempt.

Good call Eric.

Cheers
Skinner

 

[LeagueNut]

Looks like we might get Sterlo as well!

Former Parramatta and Australian league great Peter Sterling has been linked to a coaching position with the New Zealand Warriors. Sterling, who works as a commentator for Channel Nine, sparked speculation of his involvement with the Warriors by attending a training session in Auckland last week.

After slumping from minor premiers and grand finalists in 2002 to 14th place last year, the Warriors have focused on providing rookie coach Tony Kemp with a strong support team for 2005, as well as on-field experience in the form of Steve Price and Ruben Wiki.

The possibility of Sterling accepting a consultancy role with the club coincides with the appointment yesterday of former All Blacks coach John Hart as a director of Cullen Sports, the Eric Watson-controlled company that owns the Warriors.

Despite never having coached since his enforced retirement in 1992 due to a recurring shoulder problem, 44-year-old Sterling is widely regarded as one of the leading tacticians in the game.

A member of the Eels premiership winning sides of 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1986, he played 18 Tests and made 12 other appearances for Australia on two Kangaroo tours.

Considered one of the best halfbacks the code has produced, Wagga Wagga-raised Sterling won the Rothmans Medal in 1987 and 1990 and also received the Golden Boot trophy in 1987.

He previously received coaching offers from Newcastle and Illawarra - but not Parramatta, where he played 229 first-grade games in a 15-year career.

But on both occasions Sterling was persuaded by Channel Nine to concentrate on his successful commentary career alongside close friend and former Queensland Origin coach Paul Vautin.

The Warriors job, however, would not encroach on his commitments to the broadcaster as it is likely to centre around analysing performances from match videos and providing advice to Kemp by phone - a similar role to that Laurie Daley performs for St George Illawarra.

Hart, meanwhile, stressed that he would not be involved in the Warriors on-field operations after accepting an approach from Watson to join the club's board.

A director of the Sky Television Network, which broadcasts NRL matches in New Zealand, Hart's appointment marks a return to top level sport following his departure from the All Blacks job after four years following the 1999 World Cup.

His business background includes 10 years as employee relations director with the Fletcher Challenge Group, while he also owns internationally renowned pacer Holmes D G.

:shock:

 

[Skinner]

Ye Gods....

Q: How many coaches does it take to change a light bulb ?

A: um...sorry you'll have to find someone else, all the coaches are at the Warriors.

Now I don't doubt Sterlo's ability as a technical analyst (his rapid reaction in his
"If we freeze it right there" bits show that he is pretty good) and the bloke is
a dead set legend....but buga me. How much more coaching and tech support
do they need.............

Skinner

 

[ozbash]

nothing against Harty,, he was crucified by the media and took to his scrapers..

sterlo ?????

could anyone take him seriously, no doubt about his playing talent but coaching ??

 

[Art Vanderlay]

While often maligned as a
coach, by those who live south of the Bombays,

Well then cant miss a chance to knock a dorklander!

He was a pompus p rick!!!

I hope he uses all his "charm" to work wonders for Cullen Sport, and any new ventures they may have????

 

[Iafeta]

Sterlo would be excellent for mine.

Just an independent view point, he's obviously got a lot of ideas as far as halves go, and his commentaries in terms of dissecting how things work are first rate. That'd top it all off nicely for me.

 

[ozbash]

might make a good #6 :|

 

[Dirty Hoe]

Sterlo would be excellent for mine.

Just an independent view point, he's obviously got a lot of ideas as far as halves go, and his commentaries in terms of dissecting how things work are first rate. That'd top it all off nicely for me.

why not give him a go...we need all the help we can get. least we are looking at being more professional about things.

skinner you are from the old school and that is probably why you disagree with it. the game has changed, look at nfl, they have a thousand people behind the scenes. i think it can only be a good thing.

and sterlo was my only ever favourtie player, ive never had one since he retired

 

[LeagueNut]

might make a good #6 :|

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Iafeta]

All is confirmed in today's Sunday Telegraph, he is now officially a Consultant to the Warriors.

 

[JTR]

Let's just hope he's nothing like Laurie Daley is when calling St George matches...

 

[Iafeta]

I wouldn't mind a bit of bias It'd still beat Costo and co.

 

[JTR]

Well, if nothing else, I guess it would be well informed and intelligent...

 

[AliN]

boy oh boy.. with all the talent on the field and behind the scenes nothing short of a Premiership title will be good enough. And that's just to pay their salaries!!

 

[ThrashViking]

Fantastic

 

[EJS]

boy oh boy.. with all the talent on the field and behind the scenes nothing short of a Premiership title will be good enough. And that's just to pay their salaries!!

Hmm

So what is it again that Tony Kemp is actually doing ???
Maybe his role is to sit in the Coach's box on game day and attend the press conference afterwards... :roll: