I was planning to travel to Sydney on the weekend to see the Sharks play. It would have been a (7) hour trip. Thankfully I didn't go and I got to see the disaster unfolding from the comfort of my own home. While watching this game I couldn't help but think of the time not so long ago when the Cronulla Sharks were known as one the best drilled,most disciplined sides in the competition. In only two short years this side has turned into something of a rabble of a football side. I went to bed and thought what has happened to my beloved football team?
Reason 1. The previous coach saw it in his wisdom to disband a harmonic band of experienced players in search of the winning culture. I don't so much disagree with some of the changes that were made but you don't replace race horses with donkeys! In effect he took the cool heads and replaced them with young talented upstarts who in pressure situations struggle to make the right decisions.
Reason 2. Poor coaching. I don't want to harp on about the previous coach but he had a distinct lack of respect for the rules and an attitude that its everyone elses fault for the losses ie Officials etc. Now one thing this bloke had was the ability to get the players on his side and conversely you have Nutley, Bailey and whoever else thinking that it is everyone elses fault. This is clearly shown out on the field.
Reason 3. Stuart Raper - Now I don't want to start on the poor guy but I get the distinct impression that he has come into this position with a softly, softly approach so he doesn't upset the Ando factions like BK,Bailey and Nutley. As admirable as this may seem I think he has to show some clear leadership now and put his mark on the club. Stuff it if Bailey, Nutley or Kimmorley don't want to do it his way and choose to move on. At the end of the day he needs to get players in there who want to do it his way as its his position on the line. Have the guts to make changes Stuey. One thing that did please me is that he didn't blame the refs on the weekend. Thats a start compared to the previous bloke.
I think if he doesn't do something quickly about the prima donnas in this side the year is going to turn really nasty as Saturday night smelt and felt alot like 2003.
Reason 1. The previous coach saw it in his wisdom to disband a harmonic band of experienced players in search of the winning culture. I don't so much disagree with some of the changes that were made but you don't replace race horses with donkeys! In effect he took the cool heads and replaced them with young talented upstarts who in pressure situations struggle to make the right decisions.
Reason 2. Poor coaching. I don't want to harp on about the previous coach but he had a distinct lack of respect for the rules and an attitude that its everyone elses fault for the losses ie Officials etc. Now one thing this bloke had was the ability to get the players on his side and conversely you have Nutley, Bailey and whoever else thinking that it is everyone elses fault. This is clearly shown out on the field.
Reason 3. Stuart Raper - Now I don't want to start on the poor guy but I get the distinct impression that he has come into this position with a softly, softly approach so he doesn't upset the Ando factions like BK,Bailey and Nutley. As admirable as this may seem I think he has to show some clear leadership now and put his mark on the club. Stuff it if Bailey, Nutley or Kimmorley don't want to do it his way and choose to move on. At the end of the day he needs to get players in there who want to do it his way as its his position on the line. Have the guts to make changes Stuey. One thing that did please me is that he didn't blame the refs on the weekend. Thats a start compared to the previous bloke.
I think if he doesn't do something quickly about the prima donnas in this side the year is going to turn really nasty as Saturday night smelt and felt alot like 2003.
