Attention: South Sydney Rabbitohs First Grade Squad
From: Head Coach Shaun McRae
Subject: Team and Training Information
Firstly I will start by saying that recent form displayed, culminating in last weeks performance against Manly, is not only unacceptable but an embarrassment to the great club we represent. Irrespective of how positive our training sessions continue to be, it is unacceptable for this positive attitude to disappear once we enter the field.
More specifically it is unacceptable for a first grade rugby league team to show a total lack of commitment in defence, disregard the set game plans, or lose composure and structure at the first sign of pressure.
As such, not only will changes be made team line-ups, but also modifications made to the leadership structures currently in place.
Take this as a last warning - Those players who continue to make mistakes, even after intensive coaching intervention, will be punished both financially and on the field.
Leadership
An announcement will be made to the press at 11:00am on Friday morning indicating that Bryan Fletcher will be stepping aside as captain of the first grade team effective immediately. Bryan has indicated to us that the will continue to be a leader within the team however the coaching staff believe that his game will flourish without the added responsibility that being the captain entails - much in the same manner as Steve Menzies did for Manly.
Bryans abdication paves the way for Ashley Harrison to assume the leadership role for the rest of the 2005 season while Shane Walker will move into the Vice-Captaincy position. Please note that all leadership positions will be re-evaluated during the 2005 off-season.
The coaching staff will rely on the example set by these players to guide the team throughout the game, and have absolute faith that the job will be successfully accomplished.
Team Changes
The coaching staff spent yesterday afternoon analysing the performances of several players over the last three games. The purpose of the session was to analyse the coaching directions that the players were given, and how these players have responded to the given directions on the field.
Unfortunately, some players have continued to display an inability to follow coaching instructions and as such, after much discussion the following players will not be considered for first grade until further notice:
A number of other players who continue to make the same mistakes have been put on notice lift your performance and your attitude or you will be not be considered for first grade as well.
Training
As a result of continued poor form, the coaching staff have decided that there will be extra training sessions until further notice. These sessions will focus on those areas that we have identified as our main weaknesses:
- Domination of the ruck
Marker defence
Defensive patterns and decision making
These sessions will be focused and intense. The coaching staff will heavily censure those players who do not perform in these sessions and they will not be required for first grade duty.
Details in regards to the scheduling and duration of these sessions are yet to be finalised, but will be communicated to you all when the squad reconvenes after bye break.
Finally, all we ask is that as a first grade Rugby League player you put your finest foot forward whenever you don the Red and Green and walk onto the field.
Much is said about the great tradition and history of this club, however we must focus on the here and now. No longer will the South Sydney Rabbitohs accept less than 100% from its paid employees.
The coaching staff have identified the areas in which we have fallen down this season and we all will be working hard with you to remedy these problems. We have the utmost faith that if the attitude and commitment from the training paddock is carried out onto the field, then success will follow.
Shaun McRae
South Sydney Rabbitohs Head Coach