tigersrule4life
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Ben Horne AAP Tue, Feb 19, 2013 - 4:05 PM
Mick Potter faces an almighty challenge as only the second man in NRL history to succeed a coach who has held the reins at one club for a decade or longer.
Perhaps the new Wests Tigers mentor should give Ivan Henjak a call.
Potter's appointment might be a fresh start for the Tigers, but taking over from Tim Sheens opens up a daunting unknown.
In assuming the job at Tigertown, first-time NRL coach Potter is well aware of the long shadow his predecessor cast but determined to do the job his own way.
Sheens' 10-year stint at the Tigers is the third-longest coaching run in league history, bettered only by Wayne Bennett's 21 years at Brisbane and soon by Craig Bellamy - who is about to start his 11th straight season at premiers Melbourne.
Henjak took over from Bennett in 2009 at the Broncos, but lasted just two years before he was sacked.
Sheens' standard of success wasn't as high as Bennett's, but expectations are high at the Tigers. As ever, the club craves a return to the euphoria of 2005, when they were premiers under Sheens.
Potter, a former champion fullback for Canterbury and St George and most recently coach of Bradford in the English Super League, recognises the pressure.
He won't comment on whether the Tigers players needed a new beginning, but says he's happy to be the man to effect change at Concord.
"The players are responding to me very well," said Potter.
"On a day to day basis (taking over from Sheens) is not an issue. But I'm sure there will be comparisons, or differences pointed out, whether they be good or bad.
"It doesn't bother me in the least really.
"Tim Sheens has coached a million first grade games, I've coached none. I've got the utmost respect for the guy.
"But I don't want to be Tim Sheens. I don't want to coach like Tim Sheens. I just want to coach like Mick Potter."
For the first time in their NRL careers, favourite sons Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, as well as most of their teammates, will take directions from a coach other than Sheens.
But as has been consistently the case since 2005, the Tigers have the talent to make the finals.
Keith Galloway and Aaron Woods up front are capable of dominating any front row, and the likes of Marshall, Farah, Chris Lawrence and first-choice fullback Tim Moltzen form a sizzling combination in attack.
Under 20s premiership-winning graduate Jacob Miller will get first crack at halfback.
However, finding creativity and thrust in their backrow remains an unknown for the Tigers.
The departure of Englishman Gareth Ellis leaves a gaping hole and the club has also let go of their rock at lock, Chris Heighington.
Seasoned recruit Braith Anasta will hand in his five-eighth licence and become a permanent second rower for the Tigers, with Adam Blair and Liam Fulton likely to start alongside him at the back of the scrum.
Blair is the sleeping giant in the Tigers pack. A brilliant hole-runner and destructive ball carrier blessed with silky skills.
"I'm happy with everything Adam is doing. He's a professional," Potter said.
Potter said Anasta was an invaluable addition with his kicking and ball skills and natural leadership ability.
"He's made an instant impact without any fanfare or any beating of his chest," he said.
http://www.nrl.com/i-dont-want-to-be-like-sheens-potter/tabid/10874/newsid/70797/default.aspx
Mick Potter faces an almighty challenge as only the second man in NRL history to succeed a coach who has held the reins at one club for a decade or longer.
Perhaps the new Wests Tigers mentor should give Ivan Henjak a call.
Potter's appointment might be a fresh start for the Tigers, but taking over from Tim Sheens opens up a daunting unknown.
In assuming the job at Tigertown, first-time NRL coach Potter is well aware of the long shadow his predecessor cast but determined to do the job his own way.
Sheens' 10-year stint at the Tigers is the third-longest coaching run in league history, bettered only by Wayne Bennett's 21 years at Brisbane and soon by Craig Bellamy - who is about to start his 11th straight season at premiers Melbourne.
Henjak took over from Bennett in 2009 at the Broncos, but lasted just two years before he was sacked.
Sheens' standard of success wasn't as high as Bennett's, but expectations are high at the Tigers. As ever, the club craves a return to the euphoria of 2005, when they were premiers under Sheens.
Potter, a former champion fullback for Canterbury and St George and most recently coach of Bradford in the English Super League, recognises the pressure.
He won't comment on whether the Tigers players needed a new beginning, but says he's happy to be the man to effect change at Concord.
"The players are responding to me very well," said Potter.
"On a day to day basis (taking over from Sheens) is not an issue. But I'm sure there will be comparisons, or differences pointed out, whether they be good or bad.
"It doesn't bother me in the least really.
"Tim Sheens has coached a million first grade games, I've coached none. I've got the utmost respect for the guy.
"But I don't want to be Tim Sheens. I don't want to coach like Tim Sheens. I just want to coach like Mick Potter."
For the first time in their NRL careers, favourite sons Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, as well as most of their teammates, will take directions from a coach other than Sheens.
But as has been consistently the case since 2005, the Tigers have the talent to make the finals.
Keith Galloway and Aaron Woods up front are capable of dominating any front row, and the likes of Marshall, Farah, Chris Lawrence and first-choice fullback Tim Moltzen form a sizzling combination in attack.
Under 20s premiership-winning graduate Jacob Miller will get first crack at halfback.
However, finding creativity and thrust in their backrow remains an unknown for the Tigers.
The departure of Englishman Gareth Ellis leaves a gaping hole and the club has also let go of their rock at lock, Chris Heighington.
Seasoned recruit Braith Anasta will hand in his five-eighth licence and become a permanent second rower for the Tigers, with Adam Blair and Liam Fulton likely to start alongside him at the back of the scrum.
Blair is the sleeping giant in the Tigers pack. A brilliant hole-runner and destructive ball carrier blessed with silky skills.
"I'm happy with everything Adam is doing. He's a professional," Potter said.
Potter said Anasta was an invaluable addition with his kicking and ball skills and natural leadership ability.
"He's made an instant impact without any fanfare or any beating of his chest," he said.
http://www.nrl.com/i-dont-want-to-be-like-sheens-potter/tabid/10874/newsid/70797/default.aspx
