How pathetic is our club?

[krayola]

Two things:
all that should matter is that Sitaleki gets better. The whole "WT is crap" and "Jason Taylor once ran a stop sign so he needs to be sacked" nonsense belongs in any thread but this.

Halatau needs to be kept, whether as a player or in some other role. His presence in this team, with the players that left, is even more necessary.

 

[Black_n_White]

How easily some of you are drinking the cool aid is mind boggling…

Not making lite of the Aka's plight, I do hope he is well and continues to be so, though do you all often read the papers? How often would a second tier player get the light of day in print, rarely? How often when they do make print would they be interviewed, neverlone allowed to fling excrement that doesnt end up on the editors floor?

Being honest, it would take a bit of swing from somewhere to bring his plight to light, let alone have him interviewed and put to print without the obligatory speil about seeking help if you are in need to round off the article.

This one isnt right...

After the well reported tragedies that have occurred in the past couple of years at clubs
( including WTs ) , it's no wonder that it's been picked up and reported on.
Despite the fact that a couple want to complain about Nanny state ect. We don't know what state of mind the player( any player) is or has been in. Anyone who has lived with someone with depression would be horrified about some of the comments here.

It is fact that the players who have tragically lost their lives , have, been lower grade players. Who found the pressure that they were under, was too much for them.
Clubs have a duty of care for these young guys who they bring into their clubs , in most cases, away from their home and family at a very early age, and it's just fortunate that in this case, the result was not the same.
What's not needed is some of us implying that sour grapes or something like that is behind it.

Please… go to the original piece, follow the link, re-read it again in context, and tell me it is a mental welfare piece. If you do, and still think it is, rather than a PR stunt, you obviously think Weidler is an absolute hack and is incapable of putting together anything remotely professional on the subject. Honestly read it as a piece of journalism and take away personal bias. It is a very transparent sideswipe at the club, even Weidler isnt that inept.

 

[Tigermama]

Increasingly, I am of the view that our club is a microcosm of our society.
By the way, just how much was Jason Taylor involved in this potentially serious situation? In what ways should he have been more involved?

All I know NT, is that a good coach can communicate with all their players and they continuously provide them, with positive as well as constructive feedback.
They can inspire and motivate and that they're honest and have the courage to deal with their players directly and have some sensitivity to their problems and concerns, no matter how big or small.
Looking after the wellbeing of young kids that the club has signed up, especially young Polynesians that have moved far from home, family and or country is of vast importance.
The club, coach and the leadership group as well as the rest of the community has a responsibility to make sure that the Physical, Emotional and Psychological health of thtese young men is looked after.
It's great to see that Mental Health Awareness is becoming less of a Taboo topic.
Education and Communication is essential in bringing this topic out in open where it can be dealt with.

 

[NT_Tiger]

Increasingly, I am of the view that our club is a microcosm of our society.
By the way, just how much was Jason Taylor involved in this potentially serious situation? In what ways should he have been more involved?

All I know NT, is that a good coach can communicate with all their players and they continuously provide them, with positive as well as constructive feedback.
They can inspire and motivate and that they're honest and have the courage to deal with their players directly and have some sensitivity to their problems and concerns, no matter how big or small.
Looking after the wellbeing of young kids that the club has signed up, especially young Polynesians that have moved far from home, family and or country is of vast importance.
The club, coach and the leadership group as well as the rest of the community has a responsibility to make sure that the Physical, Emotional and Psychological health of thtese young men is looked after.
It's great to see that Mental Health Awareness is becoming less of a Taboo topic.
Education and Communication is essential in bringing this topic out in open where it can be dealt with.

That is all fine TM and I agree with it. You stated that JT should have been more involved. We can't tell from that article how he was involved. He may have been involved exactly to the level required. If you know some details let us know but you can't judge anything from what I've seen here. It's just another chance to Taylor bash.

 

[Tigersman]

I feel so sorry for Sita… This club truly is pathetic....

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[goldcoast_tiger]

If anyone just wants to Taylor bash , there is certainly many reasons and chances to do that. His man management skills are non existent . And his Mistakes and failures ,( both here and at every club that he's been involved with) have been well documented.
The welfare of young blokes is the point of this post, but it seems that there are some that want to make everything about defending anything and everything that Taylors done.

This subject has far more reaching effects than any coach being good or bad, and if th article is correct( and there is no reason to doubt it),this club needs to closely look at the way things like this are handled.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

If anyone just wants to Taylor bash , there is certainly many reasons and chances to do that. His man management skills are non existent . And his Mistakes and failures ,( both here and at every club that he's been involved with) have been well documented.
The welfare of young blokes is the point of this post, but it seems that there are some that want to make everything about defending anything and everything that Taylors done.

This subject has far more reaching effects than any coach being good or bad, and if th article is correct( and there is no reason to doubt it),this club needs to closely look at the way things like this are handled.

Yet 90% of this thread has been people either bashing Taylor or defending him.The real issue in the article has taken a back seat to agendas. People are using this, without any real regard for the player. As I said last night, he's a pawn.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Well our club definitely has been pathetic and when compared to the top clubs (read financial as well) probably still is. We have suffered from a divided board, not to mention the playing group, which by most reports, both have improved somewhat of late.

The club (and NRL) implemented programs in the wake of Mosese and others passing, with WT player welfare also on the improve through much greater investment in the S & C department, from which one would expect a flow on to mental well being from the improved processes.

Whilst I think it is an Ayoub generated shot at the club, Sitaleki's words show that more needs to be done, particularly with the assisting players in Keefy gone, Robbie probably the same, and an aging Dene's future up in the air. To lay the blame at Taylor's feet though is another matter, as it would seem that he utilisesd the appropriately trained players at his disposal to consult and liaise with the player/s.

An inference may also be drawn to the apparent departure of Fletcher who in reality was his coach, but we don't know. The board could always employ a premiership winning coach such as Maguire to abuse some sense into our players.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

LOL… No solid evidence that Taupau wants out, Taylor and club gets dragged over coals. No solid evidence that Farah isn't a destabilising influence hence why he's getting the shaft, Taylor and club dragged over hot coals.

Can't have it both ways.

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Not sure what your on about to be honest. I am just giving my opinion.

No one really knows if its true or not we will see come March next year where Marty is playing i suppose.

anyway I do have evidence that….

we finished 2nd last and were terrible most of the year.

Suppose that is dragging JT over the coals or whatever....

anyway, in answer to the question, yes this club is pathetic at the moment.

I will leave it at that.

Club is pathetic ATM. That we can both agree on.

 

[Tigermama]

Increasingly, I am of the view that our club is a microcosm of our society.
By the way, just how much was Jason Taylor involved in this potentially serious situation? In what ways should he have been more involved?

All I know NT, is that a good coach can communicate with all their players and they continuously provide them, with positive as well as constructive feedback.
They can inspire and motivate and that they're honest and have the courage to deal with their players directly and have some sensitivity to their problems and concerns, no matter how big or small.
Looking after the wellbeing of young kids that the club has signed up, especially young Polynesians that have moved far from home, family and or country is of vast importance.
The club, coach and the leadership group as well as the rest of the community has a responsibility to make sure that the Physical, Emotional and Psychological health of thtese young men is looked after.
It's great to see that Mental Health Awareness is becoming less of a Taboo topic.
Education and Communication is essential in bringing this topic out in open where it can be dealt with.

That is all fine TM and I agree with it. You stated that JT should have been more involved. We can't tell from that article how he was involved. He may have been involved exactly to the level required. If you know some details let us know but you can't judge anything from what I've seen here. It's just another chance to Taylor bash.

Exactly right. We're all going from what's written in the article. It's the only thing we have to go by, at this stage. As for Taylor bashing ? I don't care about him either way.
Only thing i do care about, is that the club, head coach and everyone involved, looks out for these young people's wellbeing.

 

[Tigermama]

Well our club definitely has been pathetic and when compared to the top clubs (read financial as well) probably still is. We have suffered from a divided board, not to mention the playing group, which by most reports, both have improved somewhat of late.

The club (and NRL) implemented programs in the wake of Mosese and others passing, with WT player welfare also on the improve through much greater investment in the S & C department, from which one would expect a flow on to mental well being from the improved processes.

Whilst I think it is an Ayoub generated shot at the club, Sitaleki's words show that more needs to be done, particularly with the assisting players in Keefy gone, Robbie probably the same, and an aging Dene's future up in the air. To lay the blame at Taylor's feet though is another matter, as it would seem that he utilisesd the appropriately trained players at his disposal to consult and liaise with the player/s.

An inference may also be drawn to the apparent departure of Fletcher who in reality was his coach, but we don't know. The board could always employ a premiership winning coach such as Maguire to abuse some sense into our players.

Great post formerguest :slight_smile:

 

[Tiger_Watto]

The pressure and stresses of playing elite sport is a toll only those who are in the situation will fully understand… I know other clubs have programs where the young players are matched up to current and past players to help mentor the kids.

Sadly, this is the other side of the "they are well payed" & "they dont know how lucky they have it" comments we read too freely via social media.

Hopefully the Tigers have a programs in place to help our kids through these challenges in life.

 

[batboy]

I've said it on more than one post here, And on the other Sitaleki thread.
The NRL needs to structure the comp, So that these kids (And that's what they are) ARE NOT playing in front of thousands of people and coerced into thinking they are some kind of superstar.
The biggest problem is the let down with these boys, I've experienced it first hand what happens to these boys after the 20's bubble bursts.
I had to take it on myself to prepare the kid for what was obviously happening and be there to back him up when it did. Although it wasn't really my place. There is no love from the club, They cut them dry like they never knew them.
Not that this was the case with Mosese, Or the other few boys… But from what I can remember - Moses was the only one with an NRL contract... The others were ressies or worse.
They grab these kids out of school 16-17.. Put them into the system, They working with the stars, Then on the big stage and it's all sunshine and rainbows...
There wouldn't be one kid that doesn't think he's made it, I had to keep to boy I had here grounded on more than one occasion.
I likened it to a bit like me buying a scratchy - I've spent the money before I even scratch it.

These boys are starting families, Buying cars etc.... Thinking the big time is around the corner.

Send the kids back to a mid week comp and get the men (ressies) back on game day...

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

I've said it on more than one post here, And on the other Sitaleki thread.
The NRL needs to structure the comp, So that these kids (And that's what they are) ARE NOT playing in front of thousands of people and coerced into thinking they are some kind of superstar.
The biggest problem is the let down with these boys, I've experienced it first hand what happens to these boys after the 20's bubble bursts.
I had to take it on myself to prepare the kid for what was obviously happening and be there to back him up when it did. Although it wasn't really my place. There is no love from the club, They cut them dry like they never knew them.
Not that this was the case with Mosese, Or the other few boys… But from what I can remember - Moses was the only one with an NRL contract... The others were ressies or worse.
They grab these kids out of school 16-17.. Put them into the system, They working with the stars, Then on the big stage and it's all sunshine and rainbows...
There wouldn't be one kid that doesn't think he's made it, I had to keep to boy I had here grounded on more than one occasion.
I likened it to a bit like me buying a scratchy - I've spent the money before I even scratch it.

These boys are starting families, Buying cars etc.... Thinking the big time is around the corner.

Send the kids back to a mid week comp and get the men (ressies) back on game day...

Couldn't agree more.

 

[MAFIA]

My wife passed away throu depression 6 years ago I couldn't save her but looking back as I have for the past 6 years at the time I tried everything but to no avail she wrote me a letter telling me that she was sorry but to this day she hid everything from her workmates not even her best friend and boss knew what she was going throu my point is Taylor knew of akoalha problems and sent dene to check on him daily or weekly that in it self tells me the kind of grub this bloke is I thank the lord that the bloke is doing ok and has left our club maybe if this problem comes up again he will get some support from Ivan Cleary and the panthers

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[Chadman_s_Ghost]

The title of the thread is bang on, if not for the reason/agenda most in here want to push.

How pathetic is it that the media are constantly given soundbites by disgruntled 'professionals' for them to feed off?

If any player has an issue with how they are being treated or played out of position- I would imagine the first step would be to ask the coaching staff what it is they are being asked to do.

People on here are looking for the 'next big reason' to bash JT or the board. And that's your right to do so.

But for mine, you have to look at how other clubs have dealt with the exact same issues, and how those players reacted, over the last 5-6 years.

Letting players go, playing them out of position, salary cap woes- every club has had them.

The Tigers are the only club I can recall where the constant rumours of 'player power' have run 2, and look to be trying for 3, Head Coaches out of the club.

It's time the board & coaching staff removed this 'player power' from the club & started employing football professionals, who get on with the job tasked for them & don't find themselves in the media for the wrong reasons over & over.

I don't know if JT is a good coach or not. But I'm pretty sure that replacing JT with any other coach, if they step into the viper's nest that is Wests Tigers, is going to end up going the the exact same crap until somebody has the fortitude to pull it all into line.

I support JT & the board's decision to make the hard choices now, so that this club can start acting more like the Broncos/Roosters & less like the Sharks.

 

[innsaneink]

The title of the story on Sita is "Farah cares "

 

[jirskyr]

Unfortunately mental health issues in society today especially with young men are a major issue and every club must have procedures in place that identifies and manages them. In view of what happened at our club two years ago I would expect that the clubs management and coaching staff would be well equipped and aware of what action should be taken, to identify and support any player who was showing symptoms. If this is not the case . then we should be suitably and harshly criticised. **If in fact the club has failed in its duty of care**, I would expect an internal review surely needs to be carried out, But all we get is silence. The new CEO needs to start speaking, and fast.
Another damaging media article about the club - someone needs to step up and take control.

Ah no we don't need to respond to this at all.

"If the club has failed in it's duty of care"; I can assure you that by NSW work regulations, they are obliged to follow the contract, pay for services, provide sick/holiday/long-service leave and cover work-related physical injuries.

It is not the responsibility of the club to address or fix or attenuate the mental health condition of an employee. No company in Australia has this requirement. Maybe if you are lucky, your company has a counselor or therapist on the books. If there has been some kind of accident, companies will often engage counselling for affected employees.

But the depressed state of one individual that might be somewhat related to footy, but also just as likely related to personal / genetic issues, no that is not our responsibility.

If you take the sympathetic glasses off, Sita could not cop being played out of position. Gee whiz, let's call for therapy for the 30-odd footballers who played out of position when Sheens was coach.

If this was a genuine article about mental health issues, they'd talk about Halatau's role as a mental health advocate, or perhaps look at other clubs like Cowboys who have had a far worse share of youth tragedy than we have.

No this story is only raised because it gives a little more juice to the Farah story, and as someone pointed out, Sita and Farah have the same scumbag agent.

All of you taking the Mosese situation and using that as pressure against the club, you should be ashamed. That was an absolute tragedy but not the fault or responsibility of the club, and they are not to be expected to knee-jerk to any potential mental health issues other players may or may not present.

I mean put yourself in the club's shoes - they knew Sita was doing it kind of tough and asked some of the players to keep an eye on him. Did Sita himself come to the club with a medical diagnosis of depression, seeking assistance? Did the club turn down or ignore professional advice that Sita was a self-harm risk?

No, there was a bloke doing it a bit tough, they informally wanted to check up on him. Unless you want the kid put in the spotlight, being sent to doctors and having formal checks, probably rested from playing until he has sorted out his troubles (in the manner of Buddy Franklin).

Some of you are such peanuts, your reaction to this story really gets up my nose. And I've dealt with persons with depression in my professional capacity, so I have a very good idea of what I am talking about.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

So Halatau is a mental health advocate? That definitely puts a different spin on things. Sounds like JT went to Dene for good reason.

 

[batboy]

To also not make light of this situation, Because it is a real issue….
But there also has to be another side of the coin....
I can't help this could be a cop out for a disgruntled player who was dropped more than once from reserve grade for bad attitude and form. - Not just this year, The last and the year before as well.
He's a reserve grader, for 3 years now. His primary function is to do what ever the coaches ask of him to give him the best chance of playing first grade. I think back to the honest year round toilers we've had in our ressies system like Nathan Waters, David Gower and Jarred Farlow...
They'd run Water for the team if Fletch asked them to.
In the release it says something along the lines of "I play back row, And that's it" I wonder if he had that same problem last year when he would have been picking up a 3-5k / game to play on the wing?

Now, I would have thought a bloke trying to get on the up would do what ever was asked of him. Realistically - They would have been trying him in the halves of reserve grade to sound out his utility value on the bench for firsts. If he can't see that and make a good fist of it, Then I guess he assumes that he gets to play were he wants to play when he wants to play there.

We've benched blokes like Benji Marshall to get results, How a reserve grader thinks being dropped from top 25 is the so bad is beyond me.