Ok so in the unlikely event that Griffin gets the sack at the end of the season, and seeing as we're picking possible successors, I'll have a go.
Fitzgibbon would've been a great fit, but unfortunately timing meant that we couldn't get him.
In terms of the old boys club, Young doesn't come across as smart enough for the head coach role (sorry Deano), and I'm not sure Hornby has a big enough personality for it. I like both of them as players and people but don't think either of them are head coach material at NRL level.
Much as I think Trent Barrett is a great guy and player, I laughed my socks off when Manly gave him the top job and laughed even harder when the Dogs did the same. There is a huge difference in being a coach and being a head coach. I actually used to feel sorry for him sitting in the coaches box when his teams were getting smashed looking completely out of his depth.
In terms of who's available right now, and much as I hate to admit it, I think Flanagan is the obvious candidate. I don't really like him as a person, but he has a winning mentality and has a track record of putting together tough and aggressive football teams. I also think he is the type of leader who commands the respect of his players. I think this makes a difference and good coaches can get an extra 10% from a team where everyone is following the same coherent strategy.
I know the issues at Cronulla left a sour taste in the mouth but I think he's probably what we need right now. I'd give him a 3 year deal. As assistant coaches, Jamie Soward seems to have more football knowledge than anyone else at the club, so I'd insist he was part of the senior group, otherwise let him pick the others himself.
It 's probably fair to say that we look a bit better than before Griffin took over (not saying much I know). If Griffin stays next year, and can improve them a bit more, who knows, maybe we make the 8. I do think we have a better core group than we did before, but there are a lot or peripheral players who are not good enough. Clear our those guys, bring in 2 or 3 more good players, and fill the rest of the spots with young / development players and we may look a different prospect next year. If we retain Hunt for another couple of years on $500k less, start to rotate him with Sully, and spend the difference on another forward, we'd be better balanced. Obviously hooker issue has to be solved, maybe Hunt getting too long in the tooth for that so fingers crossed young Muhleisen is ready to go next year, maybe rotated with Mbye.
Sorry for going on a bit, haven't been on in a while.
then there would be more money available to the clubs ?
