2015 Newcastle Knights Coach
- Thread starter rhugh89
- Start date
Afro Zac
Todd Bates
I'd be willing to risk Griffin, if it means he brings Hunt, Glenn and McGuire. Griffin by himself, no thank you. Would prefer Stone or Brennan
Defender1
Matthew Johns
If he brings those 3 he has my vote
I've been told the same thing. If the few players I have talked to are any indication there is a lot of discontent over what is happening and the fact Stone hasn't been appointed.
Dog act where the words used by the last fellow I spoke to, although I've never really understood that saying. Dogs are loyal. Shouldn't it be a cat act?
Billy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Well I only heard what happened third hand so I won't say what I heard in case the details, or the facts, are wrong, but you could say Brennan was strong on discipline, or you could say he was culturally insensitive. I suspect most here would come down on Brennan's side, because he put the football team and professionalism first.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Player fury at lack of consultation on decision to sack coach Anthony Griffin
BRONCOS players have spoken out against the club’s board, frustrated they were never asked whether Anthony Griffin deserved to be sacked.
It is understood there are several players at the Broncos angry with management for dumping Griffin one year early.
There are also players who believed it was the right call.
However, the common theme is disappointment that even the co-captains were not asked for their appraisal of Griffin.
Griffin has ten weeks left in his four-year reign at the Broncos.
For two thirds of this team he is the only senior coach they know.
It is understood the board already knew the players had a high regard for Griffin and that opinion weighed heavily in the making of a difficult decision.
Star halfback Ben Hunt told The Courier-Mail the playing group deserved to have a say in Griffin’s future.
“There are a few boys here who wanted their voice to be heard,” Hunt said.
“It would have been good if they consulted the playing group.
“I would have liked if they came to us.
“At the end of the day, it is not up to us.
“It came from above and that’s part of how this club is so that’s how it goes.
“It (Griffin’s dismissal) was pretty shocking.
“I heard there was talk but I never thought about it really because we were going all right this year.“
I told Hook, ‘Thank you for everything you have done for me’.
“I didn’t know what to say. I will miss him.”
Of the current Broncos team, only Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Josh Hoffman and Andrew McCullough have played under Bennett.
Ultimately, when the board looked at Griffin’s winning rate dropping under 50 per cent post Darren Lockyer they were left with little choice but to re-hire the man who helped win them six premierships.
Backrower Alex Glenn, who Griffin has backed as stand-in captain ahead of senior players, admitted the axing of Griffin was a sensitive issue among the playing group.
“It’s out of our control but a lot of the players feel strongly about this. I guess we have to accept it,” he said.
“I have so much respect for Hook and it was hard to see someone like that told he will be leaving at the end of the day.
“We’ve had a strong relationship from the start, even my own family has got to know Hook and it shows the character he is.
“It’s hard to say I will only play under Hook because he’s gone now.”
Dumped captain Thaiday believed Griffin was only fired because Bennett was a free-agent.
“If Wayne wasn’t available, this probably wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“It was all kind of weird, when you get a text in the morning to go in for a meeting, you start questioning the reasons for that.
“We made sure we were committed to finishing the season strong.
“It is a tough position for Hook to be in but he said he was 100 per cent committed to us and the team.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-anthony-griffin/story-fni3gv5x-1226997856777
- CHRIS GARRY AND PETER BADEL
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JULY 23, 2014 12:00AM
BRONCOS players have spoken out against the club’s board, frustrated they were never asked whether Anthony Griffin deserved to be sacked.
It is understood there are several players at the Broncos angry with management for dumping Griffin one year early.
There are also players who believed it was the right call.
However, the common theme is disappointment that even the co-captains were not asked for their appraisal of Griffin.
Griffin has ten weeks left in his four-year reign at the Broncos.
For two thirds of this team he is the only senior coach they know.
It is understood the board already knew the players had a high regard for Griffin and that opinion weighed heavily in the making of a difficult decision.
Star halfback Ben Hunt told The Courier-Mail the playing group deserved to have a say in Griffin’s future.
“There are a few boys here who wanted their voice to be heard,” Hunt said.
“It would have been good if they consulted the playing group.
“I would have liked if they came to us.
“At the end of the day, it is not up to us.
“It came from above and that’s part of how this club is so that’s how it goes.
“It (Griffin’s dismissal) was pretty shocking.
“I heard there was talk but I never thought about it really because we were going all right this year.“
I told Hook, ‘Thank you for everything you have done for me’.
“I didn’t know what to say. I will miss him.”
Of the current Broncos team, only Justin Hodges, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Josh Hoffman and Andrew McCullough have played under Bennett.
Ultimately, when the board looked at Griffin’s winning rate dropping under 50 per cent post Darren Lockyer they were left with little choice but to re-hire the man who helped win them six premierships.
Backrower Alex Glenn, who Griffin has backed as stand-in captain ahead of senior players, admitted the axing of Griffin was a sensitive issue among the playing group.
“It’s out of our control but a lot of the players feel strongly about this. I guess we have to accept it,” he said.
“I have so much respect for Hook and it was hard to see someone like that told he will be leaving at the end of the day.
“We’ve had a strong relationship from the start, even my own family has got to know Hook and it shows the character he is.
“It’s hard to say I will only play under Hook because he’s gone now.”
Dumped captain Thaiday believed Griffin was only fired because Bennett was a free-agent.
“If Wayne wasn’t available, this probably wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“It was all kind of weird, when you get a text in the morning to go in for a meeting, you start questioning the reasons for that.
“We made sure we were committed to finishing the season strong.
“It is a tough position for Hook to be in but he said he was 100 per cent committed to us and the team.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-anthony-griffin/story-fni3gv5x-1226997856777
I don't see how staying loyal to the club and not taking up other opportunities is suddenly a big black mark against Stone?
Also don't see how he is a vote for mediocrity, he's won three Queensland Cups as coach, which is a step above Holden Cup and NSW Cup.
Also don't see how he is a vote for mediocrity, he's won three Queensland Cups as coach, which is a step above Holden Cup and NSW Cup.
mullenmagic
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Was Stone ever offered a first grade head coach spot anywhere else?
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I think people are just down on Stone because their only memories of him are his starting out years, in which he was slowly getting the team he wanted & building them up to a mid-range team. And then any improvement beyond that was stopped with Bennett coming in. So who knows, maybe we would have gone a step further in improvement in 2012 & or maybe we would have continued to be a mid-range team. We don't know what would have happened so we can only rate Stone going off his starting out years. Add the fact that people hope Brennan is the next Trent Robinson, & i hope he is. Either way i'm happy to give either a chance. Don't want anyone else.
mullenmagic
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Wouldn't even want Griffin if he could bring guys like Hunt, McGuire & Glenn?
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I'd love Hunt & McGuire, but Griffin just doesn't feel right. Many times he has made questionable selections & playing favourites. His biggest mistake so far seems to be keeping NYC halfback of the year Ben Hunt on the bench as a hooker for years. The only reason the Broncos are doing well in my opinion is because Hunt is now halfback.
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I'm not saying we'd get mediocrity with Stone, just pointing out that he's obviously the safe option and if you go down the "been there done that" road, there's a risk of just going back to the middle of the pack (not saying we would.) On the flip side, if we go with someone new and unknown with a different style, we'll either have a break out year with him or we'll plummet to the bottom, so there's a risk on both sides.
I voted for Stone on here, I'd happily give him his shot to show us how much he's learned and improved and hopefully if he gets the gig he can take us further than he did before. But still I'd be just as happy to take a punt on Brennan and give us a fresh new unseen edge that may make us or break us. Playing the wild card over the safe card, I know it'd sure make the lead up to 2015 alot more interesting for me. We just don't know if Brennan could end up being the next Bellamy, it's unlikely but until we take that punt we just won't know, but we do know that with Stone that's never going to happen but I'd still have confidence in him taking us far.
I voted for Stone on here, I'd happily give him his shot to show us how much he's learned and improved and hopefully if he gets the gig he can take us further than he did before. But still I'd be just as happy to take a punt on Brennan and give us a fresh new unseen edge that may make us or break us. Playing the wild card over the safe card, I know it'd sure make the lead up to 2015 alot more interesting for me. We just don't know if Brennan could end up being the next Bellamy, it's unlikely but until we take that punt we just won't know, but we do know that with Stone that's never going to happen but I'd still have confidence in him taking us far.
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Garth Brennan a favourite for Newcastle Knights job when Wayne Bennett leaves
• July 22, 2014 11.02 PM
• Michael Chammas
As the Knights prepare for interviews for the coaching position next week, Garth Brennan, the man Wayne Bennett punted from the club three years ago, firms as a favourite to become his successor.
Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said on Tuesday the club would not base its decision purely on Bennett's advice, despite the Dragons (Steve Price) and Broncos (Ivan Henjak) previously replacing the master coach with his recommendations.
Gidley recently met with Penrith supremo Phil Gould to discuss a range of topics, including the coaching ability of the Panthers' NSW Cup coach.
Brennan, who led Penrith's Holden Cup team to premiership success last year, is one of the leading candidates on a shortlist – which includes former Knights coach Rick Stone, Neil Henry, Brett Kimmorley, Terry Matterson and unwanted Broncos coach Anthony Griffin – to replace Bennett.
In a boost for Brennan's chances, Gidley said Bennett's advice would not be a major factor when the Knights sit down for interviews after finalising their shortlist by the end of this week.
"We've had a number of discussions with Wayne on his view of our club and the game in general," Gidley said.
"I appreciate him putting his thoughts forward but it's important we make the right decision for our club. Whilst we'll certainly consider all Wayne's advice, we're certainly not going to go run around making appointments purely based on that either. We certainly respect his opinion, there's no doubt, but we're adamant that we'll make the decision on what's best for our club."
Like Brennan, Dragons coach Paul McGregor was also banished when Bennett joined St George Illawarra in 2009, but is making the most of his opportunity after taking on the top job following Price's sacking six weeks ago.
Brennan left the Knights at the end of 2011 after Bennett told him his services were longer required in his home town, despite leading Newcastle's under-20's team to their first semi-finals appearance that same year.
Gould and Ivan Cleary then threw the former police officer a second chance at the Panthers, with Brennan repaying the faith with an under-20's premiership in just his second year. He is now coaching the table-topping Panthers NSW Cup team.
"I think he's definitely up to it ... he's definitely a first-grade coach in waiting," Cleary said.
"He's quite well rounded as a coach. He's got a good knowledge of the game, he's worked under a few different coaching systems and picked up a lot along the way. He's got his own format and method that he sticks to and works for him. He's very consistent in how he delivers and what he wants.
"Certainly the players understand what he wants and what he doesn't. He also has a good rapport with the players and gets along well with them. He's got very high standards. I couldn't say enough about him. I think he's definitely ready for the challenge."
While Brennan couldn't ask for much more than to have Gould and Cleary in his corner, he also has a proven track record of developing some of the game's best young talent, including Bryce Cartwright, James Roberts, Isaah Yeo, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Boyd Cordner.
Cordner was coached by Brennan at Newcastle when he joined the Knights from Taree in the Harold Matthews Cup and described him as one of the best coaches he's played under.
"I can't speak highly enough of him as a coach," Cordner said.
"Still to this day, I tell people that he's one of the best coaches I've ever had. For me personally, he's a coach that you want to play for. He's a real smart football coach, but away from footy he knows how to get the best out of you and the best out of players. It always makes a massive difference if you can get your players to want to play for you. That's something Garth has.
"He had that aura about him that whenever he said something, you listened and took everything on board. I think he would suit that Knights job perfectly. He knows the club back to front. You talk about Brenno, everyone loves him. I think they'd all welcome him back with open arms."
Brennan's wife owns a law firm in Newcastle and he also recently finished building a house in the area.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/garth-brennan-a-favourite-for-newcastle-knights-job-when-wayne-bennett-leaves-20140722-zvqu8.html#ixzz38D81IaYL
• July 22, 2014 11.02 PM
• Michael Chammas
Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said on Tuesday the club would not base its decision purely on Bennett's advice, despite the Dragons (Steve Price) and Broncos (Ivan Henjak) previously replacing the master coach with his recommendations.
Gidley recently met with Penrith supremo Phil Gould to discuss a range of topics, including the coaching ability of the Panthers' NSW Cup coach.
Brennan, who led Penrith's Holden Cup team to premiership success last year, is one of the leading candidates on a shortlist – which includes former Knights coach Rick Stone, Neil Henry, Brett Kimmorley, Terry Matterson and unwanted Broncos coach Anthony Griffin – to replace Bennett.
In a boost for Brennan's chances, Gidley said Bennett's advice would not be a major factor when the Knights sit down for interviews after finalising their shortlist by the end of this week.
"We've had a number of discussions with Wayne on his view of our club and the game in general," Gidley said.
"I appreciate him putting his thoughts forward but it's important we make the right decision for our club. Whilst we'll certainly consider all Wayne's advice, we're certainly not going to go run around making appointments purely based on that either. We certainly respect his opinion, there's no doubt, but we're adamant that we'll make the decision on what's best for our club."
Like Brennan, Dragons coach Paul McGregor was also banished when Bennett joined St George Illawarra in 2009, but is making the most of his opportunity after taking on the top job following Price's sacking six weeks ago.
Brennan left the Knights at the end of 2011 after Bennett told him his services were longer required in his home town, despite leading Newcastle's under-20's team to their first semi-finals appearance that same year.
Gould and Ivan Cleary then threw the former police officer a second chance at the Panthers, with Brennan repaying the faith with an under-20's premiership in just his second year. He is now coaching the table-topping Panthers NSW Cup team.
"I think he's definitely up to it ... he's definitely a first-grade coach in waiting," Cleary said.
"He's quite well rounded as a coach. He's got a good knowledge of the game, he's worked under a few different coaching systems and picked up a lot along the way. He's got his own format and method that he sticks to and works for him. He's very consistent in how he delivers and what he wants.
"Certainly the players understand what he wants and what he doesn't. He also has a good rapport with the players and gets along well with them. He's got very high standards. I couldn't say enough about him. I think he's definitely ready for the challenge."
While Brennan couldn't ask for much more than to have Gould and Cleary in his corner, he also has a proven track record of developing some of the game's best young talent, including Bryce Cartwright, James Roberts, Isaah Yeo, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Boyd Cordner.
Cordner was coached by Brennan at Newcastle when he joined the Knights from Taree in the Harold Matthews Cup and described him as one of the best coaches he's played under.
"I can't speak highly enough of him as a coach," Cordner said.
"Still to this day, I tell people that he's one of the best coaches I've ever had. For me personally, he's a coach that you want to play for. He's a real smart football coach, but away from footy he knows how to get the best out of you and the best out of players. It always makes a massive difference if you can get your players to want to play for you. That's something Garth has.
"He had that aura about him that whenever he said something, you listened and took everything on board. I think he would suit that Knights job perfectly. He knows the club back to front. You talk about Brenno, everyone loves him. I think they'd all welcome him back with open arms."
Brennan's wife owns a law firm in Newcastle and he also recently finished building a house in the area.
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/garth-brennan-a-favourite-for-newcastle-knights-job-when-wayne-bennett-leaves-20140722-zvqu8.html#ixzz38D81IaYL
Hamish171
Adam Woolnough
I don't want to base a vote on Griffin due to players coming. He may be able to attract the players but will he gain the respect from the Knights players? Rick Stone has already won the respect of pretty much everyone here and if he is already at the club, why go through all this trouble?
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Yeah & plus there's no guarantees on those players coming. Now that the Bennett signing has sunk in, they could very well have cooled off or Bennett could even sit down with them & convince them to stay. No guarantees at all, besides, as I alluded to in my earlier post, I think Griffin is an average coach.
willlowtree
Craig Gower
I still think Tim sheens is a good choice I seen him at hunter when we were playing the titans. I can't think of why else he would've been there other than to check out the stadium.
Jekk
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
You're probably right but he could also be supporting Alex, you never know.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Gotta love headlines like this one
"Dragons dodge a bullet by not signing Bennett"
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ch-wayne-bennett/story-fni3g9a3-1226998979925
"Dragons dodge a bullet by not signing Bennett"
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ch-wayne-bennett/story-fni3g9a3-1226998979925