Adam O'Brien replacement?
- Thread starter jamesgould
- Start date
I went to a function that Bennett was the guest speaker at many years ago and he made no bones about telling everyone there that the Knights was the worst organization he had ever worked with. He was scathing of the whole club including the the team. He said he threw Willie mason a lifeline at the end of his career and he turned out to be the most passionate player in the team embarrassing the existing teams slack attitude.
frankLauda
Matthew Gidley
It's interesting to see how Melbourne has been affected by their injury toll. Losing games. Losing the Bromich Bros and Kafausi would also be a reason. So you could make an argument for AOB, having a horror run of injuries during his time here. We have had "key" position injuries in the last two years.
Roundtable
Adam Muir
The team played well at the end of the year that season. Got to the final four! Still remember Uate running over Slater. Glorious!
Battler
Matthew Johns
I've been thinking about this quite a bit. I have been a long-time backer of AOB, but last year I was really starting to question his position.
Everyone who has spent time inside the club seems to say we have long been a ****show. Maybe changing that takes a lot longer than we're willing to give.
The difference in the squad's approach this year has been immense, and I refuse to believe that it is solely down to the English bloke who can't seem to lock down a head coaching gig over there.
He's got rid of some 'personality' players (Klem, Barney, Pearce - I know Pearce was self-inflicted) and suddenly the boys all seem to be pulling in the same direction. Obviously KP is the biggest personality player left and a massive part of our cap/future (not an AOB signing of course) and how that dynamic plays out will be pretty pivotal in how we fare.
But maybe he is on to something, and has us trending in the right direction.
Everyone who has spent time inside the club seems to say we have long been a ****show. Maybe changing that takes a lot longer than we're willing to give.
The difference in the squad's approach this year has been immense, and I refuse to believe that it is solely down to the English bloke who can't seem to lock down a head coaching gig over there.
He's got rid of some 'personality' players (Klem, Barney, Pearce - I know Pearce was self-inflicted) and suddenly the boys all seem to be pulling in the same direction. Obviously KP is the biggest personality player left and a massive part of our cap/future (not an AOB signing of course) and how that dynamic plays out will be pretty pivotal in how we fare.
But maybe he is on to something, and has us trending in the right direction.
Actually feel for AOB tonight, he loses his Mum during the week, still shows up for the team, and that's the performance they put in for him. 
The only way AOB is going to look good is if we can string multiple wins, I think we are beyond if we beat the titans should be sweet.
Kurriboy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
That was specifically relating to the Bali holiday media circus Gus has whipped up.
frankLauda
Matthew Gidley
He seems to have the boys better this year. But I do think he makes some odd team selections. Playing Kurt Mann to start at dummy half is one example. And ultimately the Ponga decision to 5/8. This one could ultimately make or break him.
Our side for the finals match vs Melbourne in 2013 …
Darius Boyd
Kevin Naiqama
BJ Leilua
Dave Gagai
Akuila Uate
Jarrod Mullen
Tyrone Roberts
David Fa’alogo
Danny Buderus
Willie Mason
Robbie Rochow
Beau Scott
Jeremy Smith
Ok, it was an old team, but that forward pack in particular destroys our current team. And so much grand final / origin / test football experience across the park.
Halves are about equal … if Ponga ever hits his straps 2023 will have the edge. Backs I’d have to give to 2013 as well.
I think the 2013 side is way better than our current one.
Our side for the finals match vs Melbourne in 2013 …
Darius Boyd
Kevin Naiqama
BJ Leilua
Dave Gagai
Akuila Uate
Jarrod Mullen
Tyrone Roberts
David Fa’alogo
Danny Buderus
Willie Mason
Robbie Rochow
Beau Scott
Jeremy Smith
Ok, it was an old team, but that forward pack in particular destroys our current team. And so much grand final / origin / test football experience across the park.
Halves are about equal … if Ponga ever hits his straps 2023 will have the edge. Backs I’d have to give to 2013 as well.
I think the 2013 side is way better than our current one.
Debatable with the backs and halves, but I give you the forwards.
Regardless, if AOB got the boot I wouldn't mind seeing Bennett given another crack.
With the backs a lot hinges on what Darius shows up, but he was good/great towards the end of 2013.
Sadly I don’t think Bennett will ever be back, he was out of here before you could blink when Tinkler’s coin ran out.
MullosLefttoRight
Tim Maddison
The effort we'd have to put into hiding all the new secretaries to keep him on task just wouldn't be worth it.
frankLauda
Matthew Gidley
These next few games will prove telling for AOB. There’s no doubt he had the team playing well. But no wins when they should have been costly. The Ponga experiment could prove disastrous. Brailey going down was huge. The decision to start Kurt Mann head scratcher. Although I don’t think that would have made a difference, the whole team didn’t turn up.