Our Finals Chances.

[OldPanther]

I think the majority of our fans have been disappointed for the most part in this season, particularly for our lack of structure in attack. We haven't really looked like beating the better sides, or even scoring in some instances, so this has been disappointing. We may make the top 8, we may not time will tell but I personally have been left a little flat by the way we have played this season. Who is to blame, well I think the overall responsibility can be shared by all, not just the coach, Griffin will remain head coach for 2018 and I think any decision of whether he remains in the role beyond next season should not be made until at least mid way thru next season and certainly not before. I would expect there would have be significant improvement in this current side next season for him to be deserving of his contract being extended.

To me it looks like they are improving in attack. The structure is starting to show and they only loat their way a little against the Dogs after the short drop out. Maybe they didn't fancy trying for a repeat set after that.

 

[betcats]

How would he know Bryce was complacent or just struggling with injury? Merrin no pre-season, Whare, Hiku etc coming back from injury. Not to mention whatever the hell went on with TMM. We were 2-2 after 4 rounds so there was plenty to say it was other things.

Maybe it wasn't until this that it all came out? that point is where Mansour and others realised it was going on
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...n/news-story/ad7723a7ae34fb6c93661e8a4210ab3a

You can't on one hand say the players are the reason he has a 57% win record. Yet on the other only blame him when we go shit. Everyone at the club needs to own up for the 1st half of the season from players to board members

I am not going to break it down into individual players and pretend I know whats going on with every player.

We got flogged in round one, absolutely flogged without firing any shots at all, we looked like we didn't turn up but yeah hook couldnt of known . With all the media and the favourites tag complacency and big egos and all that crap should've been on the clubs radar. We are a young side being called favourites, its not hard to see at all why we struggled with that unless you are Anthony Griffin who spent all offseason running the lads around, in that case you are excused because coaches do need to worry about those things.

Every fan we have can see it was a concern but not coach hook, or if he did whatever they tried to address it with failed miserably similar to Hooks chosen tactics to start the year. I mean we are fighting for an 8 spot with 5 games left and we are still trying to come up with an attacking style that will allow us to score against good sides, because you know apparently it took Griffin half a season of losing to realise a game plan with no structure, set plays, depth or attacking kicks does not work. So instead of being clean and crisp we are still re-structuring out attack going into round 22.

I cant believe how many people try to excuse this coach for our poor results. This has been a terrible season whether we make the 8 or not, no excuses.

 

[franklin2323]

How about tell them flat out that competitions arent won based on what the media say?

Instead our idiot management ran with it and had a merketing campaign about how this is our time.

Youre kidding yourself if you think our management didnt influence the way the players expected this season to go.

Our idiot management did. Other teams management hasn't done similar? I am sure the coach didn't say hey lets put this stupid video on our website. The players should of ignored it

 

[franklin2323]

I am not going to break it down into individual players and pretend I know whats going on with every player.

We got flogged in round one, absolutely flogged without firing any shots at all, we looked like we didn't turn up but yeah hook couldnt of known . With all the media and the favourites tag complacency and big egos and all that crap should've been on the clubs radar. We are a young side being called favourites, its not hard to see at all why we struggled with that unless you are Anthony Griffin who spent all offseason running the lads around, in that case you are excused because coaches do need to worry about those things.

Every fan we have can see it was a concern but not coach hook, or if he did whatever they tried to address it with failed miserably similar to Hooks chosen tactics to start the year. I mean we are fighting for an 8 spot with 5 games left and we are still trying to come up with an attacking style that will allow us to score against good sides, because you know apparently it took Griffin half a season of losing to realise a game plan with no structure, set plays, depth or attacking kicks does not work. So instead of being clean and crisp we are still re-structuring out attack going into round 22.

I cant believe how many people try to excuse this coach for our poor results. This has been a terrible season whether we make the 8 or not, no excuses.

So we are the only team that was totally hopeless round 1 of a season? We were 2/2 after 4 rounds but hey lets ignore that. We also had that Bryce hatchet job come out the day of the game. Moylan, TMM etc have only half a game under their belt. Merrin now gametime whatsoever.

So yep we were shit early on for various reasons. I have no doubt we won't have stupid little videos to over hype the players. Pre season will be handed better and so on

 

[betcats]

So we are the only team that was totally hopeless round 1 of a season? We were 2/2 after 4 rounds but hey lets ignore that

We beat the two worst team in the competition to be 2/2. I have never had a problem with our ability to put away bottom four sides. What was our record after 7 rounds? Lol get your head out of the sand. It took a 14-4 penalty for us to get our only top 8 scalp this year, a side that's on a free fall down the ladder.

 

[franklin2323]

We beat the two worst team in the competition to be 2/2. I have never had a problem with our ability to put away bottom four sides. What was our record after 7 rounds? Lol get your head out of the sand. It took a 14-4 penalty for us to get our only top 8 scalp this year, a side that's on a free fall down the ladder.

this time last year we were 9 wins 10 losses
This year we are 10 wins and 9 losses.

A lot of hard work went into that turnaround regardless of who was played. Would you rather be GC who can only beat top 8 teams but can't make the semis? Or the Bulldogs who can only beat Newcastle off a chargedown?

wins are wins

 

[betcats]

this time last year we were 9 wins 10 losses
This year we are 10 wins and 9 losses.

A lot of hard work went into that turnaround regardless of who was played. Would you rather be GC who can only beat top 8 teams but can't make the semis? Or the Bulldogs who can only beat Newcastle off a chargedown?

wins are wins

I'd rather be in the top four where this squad should be instead of relying on the dragons or Manly to choke away 8th spot for us. Why should I be happy with no improvement? We should be four or five wins better off at least.

 

[ACTPanthers]

Our idiot management did. Other teams management hasn't done similar? I am sure the coach didn't say hey lets put this stupid video on our website. The players should of ignored it

So we are the only team that was totally hopeless round 1 of a season? We were 2/2 after 4 rounds but hey lets ignore that. We also had that Bryce hatchet job come out the day of the game. Moylan, TMM etc have only half a game under their belt. Merrin now gametime whatsoever.

So yep we were shit early on for various reasons. I have no doubt we won't have stupid little videos to over hype the players. Pre season will be handed better and so on

To be completely honest, I couldn't care less what "other teams" have or haven't done. The Nazis invaded Poland, doesn't mean we should do the same. Betcats is 100% right. This season should have been one where we gave the comp a fair shake, but we started poorly and that falls on the coach.

 

[martielang]

That's not true at all. You implied players attitude and team culture is not on the coach at all which is complete garbage same as when you have said or implied missed tackles and poor defence isn't on the coach neither is mistakes players make. Its all the coaches responsibility, that's why they get paid so much and so few people are good at it.

Umina was spot on when he said it was on Gus and the coach and you replied with some sarcastic comment putting it all on the players.

Unforced errors are the fault of the player not the coach. Not really sure how that's even debatable to be honest.

Umina put it all on the coach & management. The players own ego, mind, attitude, is not their responsibility. 20 - 30 year old men are not capable of thinking for themselves.

I wrote an essay on what I think is the coaches/players responsibility and you didn't reply to any of it, maybe cos we actually agree on the majority of it? Which further proves my point that you pick and choose. I'm not saying anything outlandish, im def not sayin Griffin is blame free, Im just not looking at a way to pin everything on Griffin because he's an easy scapegoat.

 

[betcats]

Unforced errors are the fault of the player not the coach. Not really sure how that's even debatable to be honest.

Umina put it all on the coach & management. The players own ego, mind, attitude, is not their responsibility. 20 - 30 year old men are not capable of thinking for themselves.

I wrote an essay on what I think is the coaches/players responsibility and you didn't reply to any of it, maybe cos we actually agree on the majority of it? Which further proves my point that you pick and choose. I'm not saying anything outlandish, im def not sayin Griffin is blame free, Im just not looking at a way to pin everything on Griffin because he's an easy scapegoat.

Please mate the players and their faults get discussed all day long here. There isn't one poster on these forums that doesn't bag players for shitty performances how can anyone say its all being put on the coach? The reason this argument even exists is because whenever anyone tries to mention the coaches faults or failures also you get replies such as your earlier sarcastic response or some apologist listing reasons why its not the coaches fault or get some positive champion telling you how negative you are.

Lets forget breaking it down into errors and miss tackles etc, Results are most certainly the coaches responsibility and our results have been poor by any measurement. The only reasonable excuse I can see for a coach not getting results is that he doesn't have the cattle either through injury or poor recruitment, Griffin cannot use either of those excuses. And even if you don't have the cattle a good coach will get the team playing with some heart and commitment, I can only recall one 80 minute performance this year from Penrith, the first dogs game.

 

[franklin2323]

To be completely honest, I couldn't care less what "other teams" have or haven't done. The Nazis invaded Poland, doesn't mean we should do the same. Betcats is 100% right. This season should have been one where we gave the comp a fair shake, but we started poorly and that falls on the coach.

We are on more points now then at this time last year. It matters when both those teams made the finals would of looked to kick on neither did. The Titans have beaten top teams but no finals. We look like playing in finals but no top 8, Which is better?

 

[billypilgrimnz]

Welcome to today's bout! It's franklin2323 and martielang vs. betcats and ActPanthers!

Who will win? Five rounds should be enough to find out. Stay tuned!

 

[franklin2323]

Unforced errors are the fault of the player not the coach. Not really sure how that's even debatable to be honest.

Umina put it all on the coach & management. The players own ego, mind, attitude, is not their responsibility. 20 - 30 year old men are not capable of thinking for themselves.

I wrote an essay on what I think is the coaches/players responsibility and you didn't reply to any of it, maybe cos we actually agree on the majority of it? Which further proves my point that you pick and choose. I'm not saying anything outlandish, im def not sayin Griffin is blame free, Im just not looking at a way to pin everything on Griffin because he's an easy scapegoat.

He has plenty to say in the lack of ball the centres get. Hiku wasting a bench spot etc. Players aren't blame free either though

 

[franklin2323]

The coach is responsible for everything. As was said, that's why he gets the $$$. One thing I want to point out is they have learned to win ugly. Last year we went on a run and it was very expansive and flashy that won us games and the reason we were favourites. Now in this 8 from 10 stretch they're grinding games more and I think it will be better for them long term, particularly making and staying in the finals.

Can you be my boss? So I can blame everyone on my boss. That is the same really coach/boss can only give you the tools to do the job. The rest is up to the individual person

 

[mxlegend99]

Our idiot management did. Other teams management hasn't done similar? I am sure the coach didn't say hey lets put this stupid video on our website. The players should of ignored it

Its up to our coach and managemebt to get the players heads right.

We have our management telling the fans this is our year. We have our coach telling us anyone who expected the top 4 knows nothing about football... but only halfway through the season after failing spectacularly. Why didnt he tell us that before Round 1? It was damage control for a failed season.

Its pretty clear they all expected for the season to kick off where last year finished. Having a great preseason with trials and a strongs 9s showing. Fans did. Plsyers did. Coach did.

Only to show up Round 1 and be blown off the park. To suggest the coach had nothing to do with managing expectations is f**king ridiculous. Everyone from top to bottom had screwed up at the start of the season. But at the end of the day its the coaches job to have his team ready.

 

[mxlegend99]

Welcome to today's bout! It's franklin2323 and martielang vs. betcats and ActPanthers!

Who will win? Five rounds should be enough to find out. Stay tuned!

The one not being coached by Griffin.

 

[franklin2323]

Its up to our coach and managemebt to get the players heads right.

We have our management telling the fans this is our year. We have our coach telling us anyone who expected the top 4 knows nothing about football... but only halfway through the season after failing spectacularly.

Its pretty clear they all expected for the season to kick off where last year finished. Having a great preseason with trials and a strongs 9s showing.

Only to show up Round 1 and be blown off the park. To suggest the coach had nothing to do with managing expectations is f**king ridiculous. Everyone from top to bottom had screwed up at the start of the season. But at the end of the day its the coaches job to have his team ready.

Again without locking the players in a room without contact it is impossible. Even a simple trip to do to shops with the family someone like Peachey or Bryce would be known. So they would have any number of people coming up to the team to say 'You have be confident for the year ahead' and so on. It is nothing Cam Smith or JT wouldn't get just they have ways to block it out.

I think Round 1 was too many under done players. That is wholely on the coaching staff. The Bryce thing and the comp favourism was the underlying thing in coming weeks

 

[martielang]

He has plenty to say in the lack of ball the centres get. Hiku wasting a bench spot etc. Players aren't blame free either though

100%. Game plan, selections are the coaches responsibility, i'm not arguing that all & never have, despite suggestions to the contrary.

We're 10 & 9, likely to make the finals for the second year in a row, & we could potentially end up as high as 4th or 5th despite the off-field issues that directly impacted our season (e.g. Cartwright, training all off season with Cleary & Martin). I don't think it's the train wreck season people make it out to be & I think Griffins faults get massively blown out of proportion by the ones who didn't want him as coach in the first place.

Billy is right though, this is the same shit argument we have every week. I will give it a rest for once.

 

[OldPanther]

Can you be my boss? So I can blame everyone on my boss. That is the same really coach/boss can only give you the tools to do the job. The rest is up to the individual person

I understand but there are measures that can be taken to improve how a player approaches a game. You conveniently ignored the part where I pointed out some improvement as well.

because you know apparently it took Griffin half a season of losing to realise a game plan with no structure, set plays, depth or attacking kicks does not work. So instead of being clean and crisp we are still re-structuring out attack going into round 22.

I'm not entirely convinced our slow progression over the last few weeks in attack isn't because of Brandy rather than Griffin.

 

[franklin2323]

100%. Game plan, selections are the coaches responsibility, i'm not arguing that all & never have, despite suggestions to the contrary.

We're 10 & 9, likely to make the finals for the second year in a row, & we could potentially end up as high as 4th or 5th despite the off-field issues that directly impacted our season (e.g. Cartwright, training all off season with Cleary & Martin). I don't think it's the train wreck season people make it out to be & I think Griffins faults get massively blown out of proportion by the ones who didn't want him as coach in the first place.

Billy is right though, this is the same shit argument we have every week. I will give it a rest for once.

The rumours of Gus doing our tactics last year have to be true. We have shown nothing to prove them wrong. I don't think there is a person here who would say we have great attacking structure. You are right certain people try to blame the rain on the coach