Paul Kent: Broncos can learn from different trajectories of Panthers and Wests Tigers
The Broncos, for the first time in the club’s 33 year history, will have to learn the hard way of how to rebuild a roster - and they have two interesting case studies in Wests Tigers and Panthers, PAUL KENT writes.
Penrith and Wests Tigers finished on the same competition points last year and, despite their genetic similarities, have never been so close since.
The Panthers, it has since emerged, were on their way to the top of the ladder. They lead the NRL competition by three points, with five rounds to play, and have strongarmed their way into premiership favouritism.
The Tigers, we now feel kidded to accept, were on their way to purgatory again. They are like a high school kiss; promise and frustration, all at once.
The Tigers finished 2019 in their traditional position of ninth, on 24 points, and occupy the same postcode again, absolutely refusing to budge.
Penrith were a touch behind on for and against last year but, in the almost 12 months since, have played to their talents so strongly, former skipper Greg Alexander was recently spotted dusting off his old drink vouchers at Panthers in the hopes the premiership drought is set to be busted.
As the buzzards circled Brisbane on Monday in anticipation of coach Anthony Seibold’s resignation, the Broncos could do well to look at the fortunes of both clubs for clues on how to navigate their way out of trouble.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty
For some years now, the Tigers have promised to break from their teasing ways but the moment a little acid got applied this season, they showed they were still comfortable in mediocrity and rolled over to get their tummies tickled.
****They seem quite comfortable not making the finals.
Coach Michael Maguire called a player into his office at a crucial point this season and tried to get an understanding why the player failed to contribute to the gameplay the way the coach preferred, which obviously drew an unsatisfactory response.
Still, Maguire was eager to hear his defence.
“You don’t coach the way I like to play,” admitted the player.
Maguire had two choices at this. He could reach across and slowly throttle the player, simultaneously removing the player from his roster but with the added benefit of also creating considerable salary cap relief, or he could take the more diplomatic approach, which isn’t generally regarded as a strong point.
“How many finals games have you played?” asked the coach, who finally chose the latter, the jury still out whether it was for the better.
“None,” said the player.
“Well, how about you try it my way.”****
The article then proceeds to keep talking about the Broncos.
It would seem some attitudes never change. I wonder who it was?
