Coach Benji 👑

[Tiger_heart]

But is this about keeping AD in the team or about starting to nudge him out??

 

[Jolls]

You're forgetting Nofoaluma too. And Naden. However nearly all the guys that have effed off have done nothing. Galvin has not developed one bit and neither has TDS.

AD gave Benji a lot of credit for his help during his rehab. The guy was in career best form just this season and Benji also played a role in that.

Besides, we do not know what happened between them today nor do we know the extent of AD's injury. Moving him to lock with a badly damaged shoulder can't be great?

If the high performance staff tick his card as OK then he should be able to play where the coach wants him to. He may not be at 100%, but so would half the NRL players at ths stage of the season.

If his shoulder is the issue that hus passing or tackling is below par it woudl be a known and accepted issue; however, shooting out of the line, chip kicks for himself, starving his outside men of ball are all things he surely would be aware of after the last four post match reviews.

Benji clearly wants to force change. IF Benji did nothing and we scored no points again this week plenty would want him hanging from a yard arm. He made a hard call, we don't have to like it, but we need to support him trying to do the right thing by the team in the eyes of the coaching staff who live and breathe this every day.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

How good has this been handled?

AD should play where he is told.

But surely there is a process that should be followed when there are 'delicate' team decisions?

I'm not sure of the processes at the club or any first grade club but is this how Bennett would have handled the situation, tell someone on the Thursday they are playing out of position?

Did AD know early in the week? If not, he should have?

Reportedly they are going to meet on Monday. I would say Benji will meet with the player leadership group before then for their input before finalising a stance.

 

[Leck]

That's a classic Bennett reaction, he did it when South's beat us in a close game early in the season.

When interviewed said that they won't make finals with that kind of performance, pointing to their shortcomings, Benji uses his coaching style.

He's not Bennett though. When he wins a premiership as a coach, players will start to respect him.

As for now, he needs to read the room and maybe this book -

https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034

In saying that, AD has shown that he's a man child and that there's something brewing.

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that there will be a mass exodus.

 

[rihannafan1]

If the high performance staff tick his card as OK then he should be able to play where the coach wants him to. He may not be at 100%, but so would half the NRL players at ths stage of the season.

If his shoulder is the issue that hus passing or tackling is below par it woudl be a known and accepted issue; however, shooting out of the line, chip kicks for himself, starving his outside men of ball are all things he surely would be aware of after the last four post match reviews.

Benji clearly wants to force change. IF Benji did nothing and we scored no points again this week plenty would want him hanging from a yard arm. He made a hard call, we don't have to like it, but we need to support him trying to do the right thing by the team in the eyes of the coaching staff who live and breathe this every day.

I think Benji has made some very hard calls and had those hard convos. Frankly, I do not think there is a harder task as a leader so I applaud him in pushing so hard. That said, questions will be asked why players he signed like Hunt, Luai, possibly AD, have now not worked out and in general, wtf has happened to the team since round 9.

 

[Halbrowne61]

We have nothing to lose now so Benji should wake up to himself and start selecting young players and give them more experience for next season and pick players who will not be there in 2027.
My team for next week
Bula
Tavana
Makasini
Doueihi
Tupou
Andrews
L Fainu
Twal
Roberts
Samuela Fainu
May
Koroisau (c)
Pole

Bench
Turuva
Luai
Haywood
Broederlow
Afoa
Sione Fainu

Funny, people naming teams with Douehi in and Luai out. How strange ???!

 

[EllisFan]

After the last month I thought a halfback change was a given myself. Not sure which club he thinks will play him there.

 

[Halbrowne61]

But is this about keeping AD in the team or about starting to nudge him out??

Excellent question TH

 

[PMK]

I do not think Benji Marshall should be judged until season 2026. Benji is still picking players that suit his game style plan.There has teen a lot of dead wood to clean out. Give him 2 years to get his list right and then some time for the players to develop rhythm with each other, then judge him.

Cut Douhie some slack. It is a big ask from Benji. Let him cool down over the weekend and then welcome him back. I have no criticism of Benji and no criticism of Douhie. Douhie wants to win the game and so does Benji. But, I think in this particular situation one game to get over it is acceptable. Let common sense prevail.

 

[TigerBurnsy]

That's a classic Bennett reaction, he did it when South's beat us in a close game early in the season.

When interviewed said that they won't make finals with that kind of performance, pointing to their shortcomings, Benji uses his coaching style.

Difference with Benji and Bennett is Wayne had good assistants to teach the lads, my dad went to a maroons lunch and gordie Tallis said Wayne never taught them a thing. Benji assistants are as clueless as him so it doesn’t work as the players do not improve or learn a game plan

 

[Demps]

Difference with Benji and Bennett is Wayne had good assistants to teach the lads, my dad went to a maroons lunch and gordie Tallis said Wayne never taught them a thing. Benji assistants are as clueless as him so it doesn’t work as the players do not improve or learn a game plan

The big question is;
Who do we replace them with?

Brad Arthur? Shane Flannagan?
These are all threats to the throne.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Difference with Benji and Bennett is Wayne had good assistants to teach the lads, my dad went to a maroons lunch and gordie Tallis said Wayne never taught them a thing. Benji assistants are as clueless as him so it doesn’t work as the players do not improve or learn a game plan

Can't argue with that with what the team has dished out lately but how do you explain the form when we were killing it, same coaching staff that delivered.

 

[Merlot]

Cut Douhie some slack. It is a big ask from Benji. Let him cool down over the weekend and then welcome him back. I have no criticism of Benji and no criticism of Douhie. Douhie wants to win the game and so does Benji. But, I think in this particular situation one game to get over it is acceptable. Let common sense prevail.

no sensible reasoning here - thank you very much

 

[mtd#2]

Reportedly they are going to meet on Monday. I would say Benji will meet with the player leadership group before then for their input before finalising a stance.

Is Luai still part of that group?

 

[tiger_one]

Can't argue with that with what the team has dished out lately but how do you explain the form when we were killing it, same coaching staff that delivered.

Champion @Rock Hopper Steve, There is the matter of injuries and our disgraceful lack of adequate depth players to come in.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Champion @Rock Hopper Steve, There is the matter of injuries and our disgraceful lack of adequate depth players to come in.

Yeah distressing isn't, especially now with this latest crap show, who will be dumb enough to sign here in the near future, thanks Adam.

 

[Tiger Woods]

You gotta listen to the coach no matter how bad he is
😜

 

[innsaneink]

Benji leads with emotion rather than a clear head.

He's passionate and wants to succeed, which is great. However, when we started the year well, I was surprised that he focused on the negatives rather than the positives after a win.

The pod guys...forget which...pointed out he loves the club more than anyone.
I sometimes think.maybe he does and.just a bit too much...to his coaching detriment
I support him tho over what fouehis done...no players bigger than the team