I saw a lot of Tim Sheens when he was up at Hull Kingston Rovers. It was a real mixed bag. Two steps forward, two steps backward - all the time. Admittedly, Hull KR isn't one of the bigger clubs in SL. But I just didn't see the week-to-week progression I've seen with other coaches at similar sized clubs. Look, you're always onto a hiding when you have to play Saints, Wigan and to a lesser extent (lately) Warrington & Leeds twice a season. On the other hand, when Tony Smith (Brian's brother) took over I saw at least some semblance of progression.
But you got fleeced on that Bateman contract. Absolutely taken to the cleaners. Ask anyone - ANYONE in SL who has watched Bateman since he returned from Canberra. He's just not the same player. Too many injuries. The Jon Bateman I knew would never have allowed the tiny James Bentley to literally manhandle him twice in successive games. I think his shoulder never recovered from the operation he had in his final season at Canberra. I did warn you ...