Pathways. What pathways?

[Thaiger]

We have the players, we just can't see who steps up under pressure, who can handle the grind, who's fitness is improving etc

We also just need to improve the connection between Ball/Flegg and first grade. One club mentality, regular joint training sessions etc

I'm hoping Mathew Betsey will be working on those connections in the pathway. There is a really strong push to improve the coaching and training levels throughout our pathways and why we have made key appointments in that area.

It's not just talent identification and coaching though. The NRL head coach should be going to their training occasionally, telling the boys what he wants to see in order for players to move up the grades. Give them the opportunity to train with the big boys, shadowing players in their position. Not just for a couple of weeks in the off season, throughout the season.

Obviously impossible in the world of covid and bubbles, but we need to make sure players feel recognised, acknowledged, and that they know where they fit in the scheme of things with the club. Maybe even a monthly one on one chat with Kimmorley discussing their progress, what they've improved on, what work they need to do.

Historically it's only been the Flegg coaches doing this, and that's not good enough. We need to better understand what the role of Sheens, Kimmorley and Betsey is.

Also recognising players, creating content promoting these players, not just a scorecard with a couple of lines once a week. Profiles, interviews, social media posts etc

Stop making too much sense @balmain-boy ! Now more than ever we need to get these young players mixing with the senior group. Apart from one or two in this undefeated squad, interaction for most with the top 30 is non-existent. I'm not only disappointed with senior management but also the coaches. I've said it before but can it be that hard to have even one or two sessions (a season) where the senior group shows some sort of interest in the youth coming through?

Surely when the offseason and comp for next year is coming up, some sort of program can be drawn up for a couple of dates for training and a get-together. These guys are already at a disadvantage with Covid and a bit of encouragement from their club's NRL players could only be a good thing and promotes goodwill at a senior level. They wouldn't have a clue who 90% of the Wests Tigers future could be and have never met them.

We spent the time a few years ago to get a good young squad together who have produced some really good results this year but it's like it's all too hard to look under the bonnet!

Just some feedback for the "pathways" and it can be the little things. With Flegg playing after KOE at Lidcombe, senior coaches were there watching but I noted as soon as Flegg started they were all out of there. I don't expect them to do this week in week out obviously but even once a season doing some extra yards could pay some huge dividends and build club culture. It would mean a lot to our juniors and if they did get to NRL level surely they would do anything for the coaches that showed close interest in their progress? Being part of a successful group that I was ever involved, was when first grade and senior management got behind the rest of the club.

Professionalism might have caused this to fall away but not its value when building a premiership-winning unit.

 

[BalmainJnr]

We have the players, we just can't see who steps up under pressure, who can handle the grind, who's fitness is improving etc

We also just need to improve the connection between Ball/Flegg and first grade. One club mentality, regular joint training sessions etc

I'm hoping Mathew Betsey will be working on those connections in the pathway. There is a really strong push to improve the coaching and training levels throughout our pathways and why we have made key appointments in that area.

It's not just talent identification and coaching though. The NRL head coach should be going to their training occasionally, telling the boys what he wants to see in order for players to move up the grades. Give them the opportunity to train with the big boys, shadowing players in their position. Not just for a couple of weeks in the off season, throughout the season.

Obviously impossible in the world of covid and bubbles, but we need to make sure players feel recognised, acknowledged, and that they know where they fit in the scheme of things with the club. Maybe even a monthly one on one chat with Kimmorley discussing their progress, what they've improved on, what work they need to do.

Historically it's only been the Flegg coaches doing this, and that's not good enough. We need to better understand what the role of Sheens, Kimmorley and Betsey is.

Also recognising players, creating content promoting these players, not just a scorecard with a couple of lines once a week. Profiles, interviews, social media posts etc

Both Kimmorley and Palmer will be involved in the pathways, their primary role is working with coaches and players so that the players already know what it means to be an NRL player when they enter the Wests Tigers systems. Things like diet and preparation will be components of this. Past players will also be involved, Robbie Farah for example meeting and working with hookers and halves in the pathways systems.

This is about providing better opportunities for players in the pathways but also reasons to stay in the junior leagues when other clubs come knocking.

**Pathways**
Matthew Betsey — Head of Pathways

David Fauonuku — Junior Rugby League Coaching and Development Manager

Brett Kimmorley — Pathways Coaching Manager

Shannon Gallant — Coaching and Development Coordinator

Ron Palmer — Pathways High Performance

Paul Sironen — Balmain Football Manager

Not trying to be critical of these appointments, just wondering if all these guys have "runs on the board" to justify their positions.

Betsey is very highly regarded in developing pathways, Brett Kimmorley is a former U20's? coach here, Ronnie Palmer will be working with trainers at the pathway level and is one the most highly regarded trainers in the NRL.

Yeah Noddy was a 20s coach here.

 

[cochise]

We have the players, we just can't see who steps up under pressure, who can handle the grind, who's fitness is improving etc

We also just need to improve the connection between Ball/Flegg and first grade. One club mentality, regular joint training sessions etc

I'm hoping Mathew Betsey will be working on those connections in the pathway. There is a really strong push to improve the coaching and training levels throughout our pathways and why we have made key appointments in that area.

It's not just talent identification and coaching though. The NRL head coach should be going to their training occasionally, telling the boys what he wants to see in order for players to move up the grades. Give them the opportunity to train with the big boys, shadowing players in their position. Not just for a couple of weeks in the off season, throughout the season.

Obviously impossible in the world of covid and bubbles, but we need to make sure players feel recognised, acknowledged, and that they know where they fit in the scheme of things with the club. Maybe even a monthly one on one chat with Kimmorley discussing their progress, what they've improved on, what work they need to do.

Historically it's only been the Flegg coaches doing this, and that's not good enough. We need to better understand what the role of Sheens, Kimmorley and Betsey is.

Also recognising players, creating content promoting these players, not just a scorecard with a couple of lines once a week. Profiles, interviews, social media posts etc

Both Kimmorley and Palmer will be involved in the pathways, their primary role is working with coaches and players so that the players already know what it means to be an NRL player when they enter the Wests Tigers systems. Things like diet and preparation will be components of this. Past players will also be involved, Robbie Farah for example meeting and working with hookers and halves in the pathways systems.

This is about providing better opportunities for players in the pathways but also reasons to stay in the junior leagues when other clubs come knocking.

**Pathways**
Matthew Betsey — Head of Pathways

David Fauonuku — Junior Rugby League Coaching and Development Manager

Brett Kimmorley — Pathways Coaching Manager

Shannon Gallant — Coaching and Development Coordinator

Ron Palmer — Pathways High Performance

Paul Sironen — Balmain Football Manager

Not trying to be critical of these appointments, just wondering if all these guys have "runs on the board" to justify their positions.

Betsey is very highly regarded in developing pathways, Brett Kimmorley is a former U20's? coach here, Ronnie Palmer will be working with trainers at the pathway level and is one the most highly regarded trainers in the NRL.

Yeah Noddy was a 20s coach here.

I couldn't remember if it was 20's or lower and couldn't be bother checking, which is unlike me lol

 

[balmain boy]

We have the players, we just can't see who steps up under pressure, who can handle the grind, who's fitness is improving etc

We also just need to improve the connection between Ball/Flegg and first grade. One club mentality, regular joint training sessions etc

I'm hoping Mathew Betsey will be working on those connections in the pathway. There is a really strong push to improve the coaching and training levels throughout our pathways and why we have made key appointments in that area.

It's not just talent identification and coaching though. The NRL head coach should be going to their training occasionally, telling the boys what he wants to see in order for players to move up the grades. Give them the opportunity to train with the big boys, shadowing players in their position. Not just for a couple of weeks in the off season, throughout the season.

Obviously impossible in the world of covid and bubbles, but we need to make sure players feel recognised, acknowledged, and that they know where they fit in the scheme of things with the club. Maybe even a monthly one on one chat with Kimmorley discussing their progress, what they've improved on, what work they need to do.

Historically it's only been the Flegg coaches doing this, and that's not good enough. We need to better understand what the role of Sheens, Kimmorley and Betsey is.

Also recognising players, creating content promoting these players, not just a scorecard with a couple of lines once a week. Profiles, interviews, social media posts etc

Stop making too much sense @balmain-boy ! Now more than ever we need to get these young players mixing with the senior group. Apart from one or two in this undefeated squad, interaction for most with the top 30 is non-existent. I'm not only disappointed with senior management but also the coaches. I've said it before but can it be that hard to have even one or two sessions (a season) where the senior group shows some sort of interest in the youth coming through?

Surely when the offseason and comp for next year is coming up, some sort of program can be drawn up for a couple of dates for training and a get-together. These guys are already at a disadvantage with Covid and a bit of encouragement from their club's NRL players could only be a good thing and promotes goodwill at a senior level. They wouldn't have a clue who 90% of the Wests Tigers future could be and have never met them.

We spent the time a few years ago to get a good young squad together who have produced some really good results this year but it's like it's all too hard to look under the bonnet!

Just some feedback for the "pathways" and it can be the little things. With Flegg playing after KOE at Lidcombe, senior coaches were there watching but I noted as soon as Flegg started they were all out of there. I don't expect them to do this week in week out obviously but even once a season doing some extra yards could pay some huge dividends and build club culture. It would mean a lot to our juniors and if they did get to NRL level surely they would do anything for the coaches that showed close interest in their progress? Being part of a successful group that I was ever involved, was when first grade and senior management got behind the rest of the club.

Professionalism might have caused this to fall away but not its value when building a premiership-winning unit.

Resourcing may have been an issue previously but with all these staff there now there's no excuses (other than Covid restrictions) for not joining the dots

 

[Needaname]

Mentioned Ronny has moved to a High Performance Pathways role. Who took his position in the top squad?

 

[Demps]

Mentioned Ronny has moved to a High Performance Pathways role. Who took his position in the top squad?

Saw that muscley lad on field last game.
He's usually around the sheds.

Edit*
Aaron Sculli — NRL Performance Coach

 

[Needaname]

Mentioned Ronny has moved to a High Performance Pathways role. Who took his position in the top squad?

Saw that muscley lad on field last game.
He's usually around the sheds.

Edit*
Aaron Sculli — NRL Performance Coach

Thanks for that.

 

[cochise]

Mentioned Ronny has moved to a High Performance Pathways role. Who took his position in the top squad?

Ronny was announced going into that role last year, same time they announced Hodgo was going into pathways. Maybe Hodgo leaving slowed up the start of both roles.

 

[balmain boy]

Probably a good move. Don't think Ronnie is up to the highest level anymore. Good bloke but we need younger legs with fresh methods

 

[tiger_one]

Probably a good move. Don't think Ronnie is up to the highest level anymore. Good bloke but we need younger legs with fresh methods

IDK, i'd reckon a "father figure" is just what the doctor ordered to look after these younger fellows.

 

[Demps]

Probably a good move. Don't think Ronnie is up to the highest level anymore. Good bloke but we need younger legs with fresh methods

Have a suss of Aaron Sculli's resume:

https://au.linkedin.com/in/aaron-sculli-a1763b74

Edit - I don't have an account.
It was viewable on google so if you can't see it, just googled him and view from their link.

 

[tiger_one]

Probably a good move. Don't think Ronnie is up to the highest level anymore. Good bloke but we need younger legs with fresh methods

Have a suss of Aaron Sculli's resume:

https://au.linkedin.com/in/aaron-sculli-a1763b74

Edit - I don't have an account.
It was viewable on google so if you can't see it, just googled him and view from their link.

Strewth, I thought we'd gone way out there, like Skully and Mulder from the X Files.
Then I realised the truth is out there, and I'd misspelled the surname.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

We have the players, we just can't see who steps up under pressure, who can handle the grind, who's fitness is improving etc

We also just need to improve the connection between Ball/Flegg and first grade. One club mentality, regular joint training sessions etc

I'm hoping Mathew Betsey will be working on those connections in the pathway. There is a really strong push to improve the coaching and training levels throughout our pathways and why we have made key appointments in that area.

It's not just talent identification and coaching though. The NRL head coach should be going to their training occasionally, telling the boys what he wants to see in order for players to move up the grades. Give them the opportunity to train with the big boys, shadowing players in their position. Not just for a couple of weeks in the off season, throughout the season.

Obviously impossible in the world of covid and bubbles, but we need to make sure players feel recognised, acknowledged, and that they know where they fit in the scheme of things with the club. Maybe even a monthly one on one chat with Kimmorley discussing their progress, what they've improved on, what work they need to do.

Historically it's only been the Flegg coaches doing this, and that's not good enough. We need to better understand what the role of Sheens, Kimmorley and Betsey is.

Also recognising players, creating content promoting these players, not just a scorecard with a couple of lines once a week. Profiles, interviews, social media posts etc

Both Kimmorley and Palmer will be involved in the pathways, their primary role is working with coaches and players so that the players already know what it means to be an NRL player when they enter the Wests Tigers systems. Things like diet and preparation will be components of this. Past players will also be involved, Robbie Farah for example meeting and working with hookers and halves in the pathways systems.

This is about providing better opportunities for players in the pathways but also reasons to stay in the junior leagues when other clubs come knocking.

**Pathways**
Matthew Betsey — Head of Pathways

David Fauonuku — Junior Rugby League Coaching and Development Manager

Brett Kimmorley — Pathways Coaching Manager

Shannon Gallant — Coaching and Development Coordinator

Ron Palmer — Pathways High Performance

Paul Sironen — Balmain Football Manager

Cheers

Why is there a Balmain Football manager role? That just looks like a job for the boys role if ever there was one, at least have the same for SW Sydney.

Didn't Sironen have a lot to do with the Balmain junior squads? We know the quality of talent that has emerged from these squads. It is very important we have someone of his profile involved in our juniors.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Anyone see the kimmorely interview on tigers web?

 

[cochise]

Anyone see the kimmorely interview on tigers web?

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/08/03/35-down-brett-kimmorley/

 

[iofthetigers]

We are sold the concept of pathways, and then presumably all things follow where we have systems and processes which ensure we keep the best of the best, that then feeds up to the higher grades, and we reflect this in a competitive team etc etc.

But is there any real accountability?
Where is the proof that the system is working?
What grassroots measures actually encourage players to become part of the club fabric?
How do we fob off the player managers who tempt our best to maybe go elsewhere?
How is the desire to be a club legend instilled in these developing players?

And then there is the matter of the players who do not make it.
Sure, things don't always work out.
But once a Wests Tiger, always a Wests Tiger, irrespective of where the player travels - that should be a given.

The club has recently spent a lot of money appointing people to improve our pathways at the club, Brett Kimmorley, Mathew Betsey, David Fauonuku and Tim Sheens have all been put in roles to improve that area. Ron Palmer and Robbie Farah has been given responsibilities in that area.

Betsey is highly respected across sport in establishing development pathways

Trouble is our pathways have been a garden path

I think identification of jnr talent at the club is at its strongest it’s been for a long time, I would have liked the club to have had a vision or strategy of taking back the farm, make a statement of getting Paps even if it meant paying him $1.2m per year & also chasing another jnr that has left like Paseka. I am sick of hearing the Tigers don’t know who they are, they need to show they are more Westie than a flanno shirt.

 

[Demps]

https://youtu.be/6jmkG1uFC3s

This guy is a HUGE asset.
Video is worth a watch.

Ive spoken with Brett before and he's a genuine guy with so much knowledge of the game. He's is a legit footballing genius.

Has a lot to offer. A definite dark hourse which flies under the radar a bit within the world of NRL. Don't underestimate what he can bring to the club.

 

[The_Patriot]

https://youtu.be/6jmkG1uFC3s

This guy is a HUGE asset.
Video is worth a watch.

Ive spoken with Brett before and he's a genuine guy with so much knowledge of the game. He's is a legit footballing genius.

Has a lot to offer. A definite dark hourse which flies under the radar a bit within the world of NRL. Don't underestimate what he can bring to the club.

I agree. Watched this video earlier in the week and he speaks well.

I think he could handle a dual role including an assistant coaching role under Maguire or whoever the head coach may be.

 

[the_third]

https://youtu.be/LQiOA7euaYA

 

[Speed2burn]

https://youtu.be/6jmkG1uFC3s

This guy is a HUGE asset.
Video is worth a watch.

Ive spoken with Brett before and he's a genuine guy with so much knowledge of the game. He's is a legit footballing genius.

Has a lot to offer. A definite dark hourse which flies under the radar a bit within the world of NRL. Don't underestimate what he can bring to the club.


I agree. Watched this video earlier in the week and he speaks well.

I think he could handle a dual role including an assistant coaching role under Maguire or whoever the head coach may be.

I remember him commentating on under 20s games years ago when they used to be televised and before he got into coaching

He was the only commentator that actually made sense, and with no cliches