Interesting how different people see things- see I don’t see Benji’s “falling out” as you call it, as a Benji problem so much. Furthermore I don’t agree with the description of those particular players as “quality NRL players” specifically, particularly with regards to the way they played at the Tigers, especially in recent seasons.
Every one of the players you have mentioned had specific performance issues that Benji called them out on - some might say that it needed to be done and applaud him for doing it when previous coaches never seemed to want to.
Also, I think it’s yet to be seen whether his “failures” in this area lead us to a better squad and better results. Certainly I for one am not unhappy that he has made it clear what he is expecting from experienced players and I am also not unhappy that the players you mentioned are on the outer or already “outed”!
I think the fact all the players he supposedly fell out with , have a legacy of getting offside with coaching staff is a pretty big factor in this .
I’d say no matter what Benji said to them , whether bullshit or as if the insights of Warren Ryan , combined with Bellamy and using Wayne Bennett tact , had spewed out of his mouth , the fact it was negative and Benji delivering the messages , meant the players weren’t going to listen and chuck a wobbly .
The “what do you know , you’ve been a coach since morning tea “ dismissal would have taken effect . Until Benji gets runs on the board , and wins , there will be players who will chose this avenue . Maybe they saw him as a guy they could take the piss on, maybe it’s deeper and Benji has shit delivery in his negative interactions , either way I don’t think the outcome ours have changed .
Benji needed to go full Madge / Bellamy dictator this offseason , as if he went the , “we are all in this together” approach From last year , would have maybe lost the dressing room.
And I don’t care what anyone says , Bateman was captain and the worst guy on the field , and had been that way for weeks prior . Naden is 28 and 27 back then , was seen as a leader , did press conferences where he was as asked those questions , same with AD, and naden delivered the worst performance I think I’ve ever seen at centre .
That has zero to do with babying kids ,and everything to do with their own lack of accountability for themselves .
It looks like naden has woken up to himself , but Bateman will take his Schtick to NQ and history will repeat itself for the 4th time .
He needs wins , though , that’s just a fact . Everyone knows this team is at least potentially a top 8 contender . It’s up to the coaching staff to deliver now .
