Firstly, I have had to spend a fair amount of time away from my family the past decade. So, I have jumped on planes at all hours whenever I have had a chance. So, I completely get it.
But Bateman flying to the UK and spending ten days there...arriving back Thursday...shows how unprofessional we are.
Would a team have done that if a top 4 spot was on the line? No. 100% not. So, you are saying "this game is not important" indirectly to all the players.
His legs were gone early....anyone could see it. That flight from the UK, and then up to Nth QLD humidity...then play a game. You can't do that.
If the captain thinks bye round is a chance for a holiday...what do the other players think? They were clearly not prepared for this game.
74...seventy four...0.
We are the same club who let Robbie Farah fly to Europe for the Champion's League final in the middle of a crucial period of games...then were belted in his return game.
Again, I get it. I have empathy. Robbie wanted to see LFC in a big game. By going Robbie basically said that was more important than proper prep for a Tiger's game.
But it is not the stuff professional clubs do.
It is our culture.
Non winners.