No probs Jasonl. Everyone is entitled to an opinion- we might disagree vehenmently on somethings but hey thats life. The 1 thing we all agree I assume is that we want WT to do well and succeed. Safe to say how that is done is the point of disagreement.
Yes despite some others opinion we do all support WT- in my case I have supported the Magpies since 1966 when my Dad took me to see them. I now support WT.
For myself, In 2009 I think the team did OK but not well. They performed adequately in nearly every game this year- there was no bad game where they surrendered, several close games where they lost (bad play options / luck and poor goal kicking just let us down), and a few great games where the WT stood up and showed what they can do when everything clicks.
As far as I'm concerned it is the coaches job to get everything to click right to the utmost extend every game- select players in their best positions, select players on form, develop players and provide opportunity- with the aim of winning each game. We all know winning each game is not possible but that should be the attempt.
For myself, I no longer consider Sheens, and his coaching & recruitment staff, are up to the job. Damn it I actually like Sheens as a person but as WT coach he seems stale. Some of the players seem to have stagnated- I'm glad some of them have moved on to try fresh fields. Maybe its time the coach look at moving on too. I feel the club and Sheens is living too much of the success of 2005 and not looking at and addressing the failures of the succeeding years.
I dont know the coaching succession, I have no idea who would put their hand up for consideration - that is not our job here on the forum- we can offer opinion on people once they have put up their hand. I am definitely not looking to return the club to the days Lamb, Pearce and Raudionikas as coaches but there are others out there to take the club forward.
Yes, rugby league is only a game and should be fun too but at the NRL level it is more than a game, it is a business- where success brings on its rewards- failure and stagnation leads to a downward spiral. The question we all have to ask ourselves is Sheens the man to bring on the success again? Looking at his record I (and many others) say no. Others say 'hey, what about 2005?'. We say what about 2006, 07, 08 and now 09? Does 2010 give any better prospects?
I dont care anymore whether Sheens stays for 2010 season to conclude his contract or not- if it was earlier I'd probably say goodbye to him but now I figure may as well stay till end of 2010. Too late for a new coach to recruit players they want for next season. I just hope a decision is made early and recruitment action taken so the new coach has a good chance of recruiting players for 2011 that he wants. Does Sheens record deserve a new contract with WT? I think not.
Thanks MF,
Agreed Sheens is down on the percentages but I always loved the way Canberra redefined the game (along with Broncos) in the mid 90's. So much so that News Ltd came along with Super League and destroyed it comprehensively.
I rember a Laurie Daley interview where he talked about arriving from Junee as a skinny punk kid, got into the partying and women etc untill one night when Sheens came to his flat, sat him down, explained his potential and what was required to realise that.
The rest obviously is history. It's also interesting that none of that champion squad ever defected to other clubs in their prime (Clyde et all were well past it at the time and went purely for the money).
One thing that some people don't seem to realise is that Sheens acts as a father figure type coach (much like Wayne Bennet). If you have any doubts read Bennet's book - 'Don't die with the music in you', in which he describes the cultivation of players like Kevin Walters, a man of limited talents who went on to do extraordinary things - both on and off the field.
Marshall is the most talented footballer in the game bar none (sure Hayne gets wraps but he's essentially a broken play style player taking advantage of tired defensive lines at the end of the season).
The fact that Marshall, at his age and with his potential, has categorically said that he will never play NRL for any other club and wants only to be coached by Sheens does, fortunately or unfortunately send a message.
Wests lost by fractions this year. I think it was maybe 5 games where they scored equal tries but were let down by kicking.
Tuaki was magnificent. After a poor 2008 he became committed and became in many ways unstoppable. The modern day Peter Dimond.
Farrah copped some bad luck in SOG and at times has a minor confidence problem but there is really no doubt he is the best 9 around.
Lawrence could be anything. Like a young lion, he doesn't really know the power that he possess. Would love to see him at fullback running it back Graham Eadie style.
Moltzen is a work in progress but reeks of class. Take a look at the ball he put to his winger in the Parramatta game. It generally went unoticed but that trick is bloody hard to do.
Galloway is a big machine with impact. He needs to be fitter though and work through the injuries.
Collis is a head case. Hopefully he can find greener pastures at the Bulldogs. A truly classy centre who doesn't know his game.
Morris is gone also. I know all you guys hate him but the man put in 100% and never got injured. Wish I could say the same about some of my employees.
Ellis is a force of nature. One of those rare Englishmen who is hard as nails and remids one of how they created an empire.
Chris Heighinton had an awful season. Donkey work is not his game. Two out from the ruck and we might see a different player.
As to Mighty Mouse, I admire his courage but the man is simply too small for NRL.
As to Beau Ryan, personally I like him. The basics are done well and he's a team player. How many times has he quietly diffused concentrated attacks on his wing this year?
And as to Marshall, what can you really say? The flick pass in the Parra game imo ranks with the finest of Eric Cantona and George Best.
Cherish the moment. This is a once in a generation footballer.
Four shoulder reconstructions (which are gonna hurt like a bastard later in life btw) and he's out there every week pulling this sh*t off for our amusement.
Ok - enough of the rant.
Wests to win in 2010.
Peace all,
Jase
