The standard an NRL club sets themselves are in theory, all relatively similar – to make finals and play premiership quality football.
In reality, not all outfits can do this, but to attract fans and a support base, it would be cruel and stupid to suggest otherwise.
Melbourne and Penrith are on track to lodge another strong season that passes the going rate (for them).
Sure, finals footy is another discussion, although both clubs have had a strangle grip over the rest of the competition.
Adam O’Brien. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
While the Sharks came out of the blocks without taking a breath, the will and dominance to remain at the top of the table has caught up with them. For coach Craig Fitzgibbon, he has undoubtedly lifted the club to a new level since his appointment three years ago – but many are hesitant on their authenticity as premiership dangers. Regardless of recent flops, Cronulla have adhered to a pass mark.
For organisations like the Bulldogs and Dolphins, improvement is of the highest priority – to help regain consciousness of the premiership lure. For Cameron Ciraldo and Wayne Bennett, season 2024 has well and truly paralleled their standard.
The Tigers have applied the same principles to their mission, but have been nowhere near as successful, maybe Sunday’s thrashing of Canberra was the start of a new dawn.
So for clubs like Newcastle, the Raiders, Cowboys, Warriors and the Eels – when is the line drawn to create genuine and mass change? Let’s face it, things are not working out, whether that is from a playing or administrative perspective.
Parramatta are wading through coaching changes at the minute, which must inspire drastic difference. Finishing 10th in 2023 post a grand final berth was truly disappointing, not only for the similar playing group – but for fans who were excited for a period of consistency and growth.
It was a downward spiral that should’ve spelt Arthur’s exit long before the early rounds of 2024.
The Knights. They have been stuck between gears for a long time. Adam O’Brien moved from the Roosters in 2020 and relished early success at Newcastle. Novocastrians were treated to a finals run for the first time in since 2013 – but it was more of a cameo.
His side was wiped from the eight within an instant, but another top-eight finish in 2021 did evoke further encouragement. Two years in the post season, things are looking up – once again the Knights were knocked out in the first round by Parramatta.
In 2022 the club slipped back into old habits, finishing 13th, only managing six wins, then 2023 was a wild run. The Knights clung on to a fifth-placed finish and made it to the second week in September. Since then it has been rocks, no diamonds in sight.
The Cowboys have a comparable timeline. 15th in 2021, followed up by an exciting third place in 2022, only to kill their momentum with an 11th spot in 2023. North Queensland’s roster seem to be biding their time with Chad Townsend. Townsend’s best is well behind him, and in a side that is full of youth, his position at No.7 is a speed bump on their chances. While a decent boot and level-head, the 33-year-old is a defensive liability.
Now the Raiders, well, how has Ricky Stuart just been extended until 2029. To me, this is beyond mind-boggling. Regardless of Sunday’s sloppy showing against the Tigers, has the writing not be on the wall for the past few seasons?
In 2021 it was 10th place, 8th in 2022 and ditto for 2023. His extension was a sign that Canberra’s standard is fine with mediocrity.
In his 11th year as head coach, no longer can he bring something new to an establishment that needs difference. If you’re fine with making a grand final once every blue moon – then props to the club, but with more than 250 games coached in Canberra and nothing to honestly show for it, when does the blowtorch light for Stuart?
Ricky Stuart. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Sticking by a coach purely because he meshes well with the club is a dangerous game.
Loyalty is a great trait, although it burned the Eels. 2023 and 2024 have been dead rubber’s for Parramatta – they have gained zero.
Arthur may have been loved by the Parra players but that doesn’t provide reason to slash his futility as coach. Combine this with a roster that failed to back up grand final form, their fans are understandably livid.
Take Trent Robinson for reference. His first season at the helm of the Roosters was in 2013. A premiership in his first year, plus a minor premiership in 2014 and 2015.
A sudden lack of cohesion led to a 15th-placed finish in 2016. Over the next four years, the Chooks scored two premierships and never left the top four. In his 12th season, the Tricolours have missed the finals once.
Loyalty must come with a standard. Ricky Stuart, Todd Payten and Adam O’Brien will never walk away from cash.
Ricky doesn’t need to write a letter to Santa this year because he’s already been gifted something greater than anything he will find under the Christmas tree.
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