Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:33 am  

Out of possible likely options
Wane has ruled himself out of any change of job.
Wire offered Holbrook a deal worth in excess of £300k p.a. And he turned them down.
McNamara may be looking for a change , I’ve yet to see a comment on here saying anyone wants him as Leeds coach, so hopefully he is a non-starter.
One thing about Aussie coaches is what is family situation, Hull have gone for Cartwright , who at his age I’d expect all kids are grown up , that is a risk removed. You then have his /wife parents situation as a possible risk.
Rohan had a very young family , as wife was missing home and the day job is not going well , life is difficult.
Arthur has 2 sons playing in NRL , don’t know about anything else but that is far better than very young kids.
Demetriou , I’ve no idea but if you live for 10 years in wakey, you are used to living in grim Dickensian circumstances, so he will probably be fine, regardless.
I’ve no idea if these 2 would work or Rowley.
But given Arthur is likely to be expensive, JD looks risky and as Tad said, Rowley is in the UK, knows the SL and Blease knows him and he turned down FC, I’m guessing he will get the gig.
Whether he can come mid season could be the stumbling block.
Interesting times.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:36 am  

Alot more competitive over there, though. In context of aussie first grade coaches available he's at the top of what you can get I'd imagine.

We really need someone that can get the younger players transferring into first grade and actually make it.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:39 am  

Emagdnim13 wrote:

Alot more competitive over there, though. In context of aussie first grade coaches available he's at the top of what you can get I'd imagine.

We really need someone that can get the younger players transferring into first grade and actually make it.

Agreed, that second bit is critical, how good some of the young players are is still a question to be answered but we have had a lot of false dawns recently

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:45 am  

You're unlikely to get a hugely successful NRL coach coming over here unless they are back end of their career. Correct me if i'm wrong but none of Saints recent coaches from NRL were viewed as top tier from a success point of view when they came over.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:53 am  

Trebor1 wrote:

You're unlikely to get a hugely successful NRL coach coming over here unless they are back end of their career. Correct me if i'm wrong but none of Saints recent coaches from NRL were viewed as top tier from a success point of view when they came over.

Success/experience in the NRL doesn’t automatically translate either.

How did Tim Sheens get on?

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 9:21 am  

True, there are no guarantees but after Agar / jjb / Furner/ RS there is the belief that GH has repeatedly gone cheap and it hasn't worked.

A big name would restore some confidence and show a change/ intention.

I understand Rowley thoughts and wouldn't be against it but if he's top of the wishlist then it must be a short list

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 11:13 am  

christopher wrote:

Success/experience in the NRL doesn’t automatically translate either.

How did Tim Sheens get on?

Yep agree. Personally my No1 choice is Rowley, with Holbrook 2nd and Arthur 3rd but i'd be happy with either and Blease has a track record of getting these things right so hopefully we will see us move forward significantly.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 12:50 pm  

Rowley would be a good appointment - he wont take any truck from the likes of Newman.

The problem with an Aussie coach is they expect the players to be NRL standard in terms of skill and fitness and it comes as a shock when they aren't. It was no surprise that under both Holbrook and Wolff Saints were the fittest team in SL with the highest skill set.

Rowley has shown an ability to develop and improve players and have them working as a collective.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:50 pm  

At the risk of stating the blindingly obvious the new coaching appointment has to work. Another failure and we will be in the rugby wilderness for years also acknowledging the fact we have been out the limelight for some time. Drawback with an Australian coach is if they become successful they are lured back to the NRL. Think most of us on here recognise Rowley is the best man for the job, it’s up to Hethrington to submit a decent salary package to Rowley. Maybe one with some substantial awards for grand final and challenge cup appearances.

Re: Smith out ASAP : Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:55 pm  

It isnt that long ago that everyone on here wanted Ian Watson, funny how he isn't even mentioned anymore