Sheens has been back 5 minutes compared to Pascoe and some of the dinosaurs. The problems were there long before Sheens latest employment.
And let’s not forget that Sheens was brought back as Head of Football and the first thing he requested that his old comrade McDonnell be reinstated as Recruitment Manager, because he knew the types of players that Sheens would be after.
Of course after the Sheens/ Madge breakup this became even more of a priority but despite overtures to several leading coaches, nothing eventuated.
Eventually someone/somewhere floated the idea, let’s forget outside and do it within. Sheens was suddenly thrust into a high pressure role that he didn’t really expect to be in. He knew that he could probably handle it for a year or two to get the club sorted ready for a successor. And who better than a couple of guys who knew the good and the bad of the Tigers.
Next stop, a defensive coach who Sheens knew and had worked with previously, D. Furner.
So the plan is in place and away we go. Review the roster, roll down the internal plan to develop the pathways. Let the Tigers be self reliant. Start to clear out some deadwood and look for key/ suitable players. No 7 the most important , so let’s get Moses home coz he knows the Tigers. No deal, at any price.
Then desperation stars to set in, no worries, our financials quite strong, let’s work on making the club more attractive. A couple of wins, always good for recruitment, but still no one knocking down the door.
Next thing Fedora and the Oelican get wind of a better recruitment guy coming on the market, one S. Fulton, lots of contacts. We can’t talk to Sheens and Co about it given his edict about wanting McDonnell. So best done on the QT, good for long term recruitment and the coaches just have to live with it. Board says do it.
Fulton employed, McDonnell released and Sheens world fractured.Fulton says to Sheens and Benji I can get you XYZ players, but you may have to jettison a couple of exisiting players first.
Good news. Parra will take Joffa, Manly are going to take Brooks and Talau if your hands.
In return we can get Schuster and a couple of potentially hot players. Benji, you meet with them and sort it out.
Schuster seems too lazy but interested in the kids. Let’s get them.
And ladies and gentlemen that brings us to where we are now. Chairman and CEO who think they know best, a disgruntled coaching team, major holes in our roster, players becoming pissed off with the outlook and NO ONE capable of sorting out warring parties.
Only options are some NRL involvement, or an independent third party auditor( not just money) or termination of key stakeholder positions.
And if you have a finite answer then please share coz it’s a real conundrum.
