Evolution of Coaching Role will Cause Casualties
The modern day Rugby League coach is ever increasingly in the spotlight. From post match media interviews trying to explain on field results to weekly interviews for radio or news crews.
While this might seem daunting, and I am sure it would be for most - some coaches are able to use this as a positive for their club and their personal careers.
Certain coaches have used this time to build pressure on referees by mentioning something the whistle blower 'is' or 'is not' doing - this generally happenes before important games, where coaches will mention every illegal tactic next weeks opponent has been using - in the hope they can influence the referee to their teams advantage.
Not only has media attention increased on coaches, their role has now become more of an overall unit manager. The appearance of conditioning coaches, backs coaches, forwards coaches and assistant coaches has elevated the coach into a role of a conductor. Where as in years gone by, a coach would spent hours on the training paddock with his team, with many new assistants these days - a head coach will spend more time studying opposition weaknesses in video sessions and planning the assault plan for the weekend ahead.
This evolution has allowed NRL clubs to improve dramatically, while some coaches have adapted and flourished under this new style - some coaches find it hard to deal with the constant media commitments and the daily man management regime. These coaches find it hard to don the suit and tie for game day and are much more at home in a tracksuit chomping on a pie during the big game.
Ricky Stuart is an interesting example; the former Bondi coach was groomed by the Roosters and tried hard to present a professional look whilest overseeing his coaching staff of John Cartwright and David Gillespie. While his passionate outbursts and bottle throwing antics were often caught on camera, Stuart generally managed staff well and handled the media well most of the time.
In contrast; coaches such as Brian Smith and Phil Gould are absolute masters of the new age. These guys have managed to perfect game faces that Las Vegas Poker Pro's would be proud of. Totally prepared and co-ordinated on match day, Smith and Gould conduct their orchestra of staff during the leadup week perfectly. Their players run out ready for war, and they rarely lose face in a post match interview. The only occasion Gould leaked emotion was during an emphatic last minute Origin win and the media was quick to swoop.
While most have adapted, concerns arise for young coach Nathan Brown. The former hooker has been groomed by the Red and Whites for several years now. From face slapping incidents, to swearing post match to being photographed drinking with players - Brown is a throw back to days gone by and flies in the face of modern coaching. Will Brown's learning curve continue, can he straighten that tie and close the potty mouth this year?With the Dragons squad losing many stars at the end of 2006 and Brown having spent many years in the job - Brown had better catch the fast train to finishing school or risk catching the all stations to centrelink.
