The old 'Sack McGregor' Thread was started just after Round 16 2016 when we were smashed by a Barrett coached Manly 36-6. We're only two rounds off being relatively the same point of time this season.
Todays performance reminded me of that game. No attitude in defense and tactically inefficient. This all lies squarely on the coach and his legion of assistants & staff.
Wanted to believe that things were going to be different. Today was a chance to set our ship on the right path towards playing in the 2022 finals. Now I can't help but think that we may not win another game this season, and to strap in for what is going to be another long last couple of months of the season.
What do Hook at the coaching staff do? A video session of game today, and requesting answers from the players as to how they allowed a significantly reduced opposition run riot on them? How on earth do we come back from this?
Remember the game well and recall starting the thread in sheer anger all those years ago. He had been given a fair crack at that point but alas went on to cripple us another 4 and half years for nil results.
While the same writing is on the wall right now the difference is there are seemingly very few if any alternatives just now, and as someone already posted, who would want to take on the poisoned chalice of saints coach anyway? The re-signing was met with a lukewarm reception from fans and I for one was livid. Now again, just like in 2019, the club must endure the mistake that is rewarding a coach for nothing. We were led to believe all the players are on board under Hook but they can't execute one 80 minute performance under him. It's a sham and a matter of time before the outside pressure from the media comes.
What gets me is the press conference. I've abstained from watching them recently but checked it out this evening.
All we can get from him is "they were too good for us".
If I am not mistaken we fielded just about as strong as a side we could today, we played a team that was below us on the table, who we toppled once already this year and all our coach can surmise is that "they were too good for us". What use is that to the fan who was hoping for something better than the effort against the baby broncos? Payten's top 4 team (to use one example) loses one hard fought game when origin hits and he comes out challenging his team to not go away from their standards. Making them accountable.
When are we going to be too good for them, Anthony? When does our consistent run of victories come which symbolises our team has finally turned a corner? Is there something we are still waiting on, I don't get it? He picks this side. This is the side he wants, the amazing recruits he wanted. He is failing as coach he cant get the team to hit back after another pitiful effort last week. The fans just want to see a response to this.
I realise behind close doors he will berating particular players for their errors but when Tuesday rolls around and the same 17 are selected you have to wonder if this man has any control whatsoever. I mean, all his years experience in rugby league and selects Feagai today who was nowhere near ready after injury. That's neglect and it cost us opportunities and tries at both ends.
First grade coaching is meant to be a hard gig. I'm not qualified but I know enough to know when something is broken. I obviously ride these losses much harder than he does.