Rumour Club Culture Part 2 - rumours of discontent

[Blindside]

But what youve seen though is only the tip of the iceberg. Only 10% of it is showing and you cant form a true picture from that. You can only speculate on whats underneath the surface.

You may think the players are dicks but I see a bunch of guys who love the club and are worried about its future under the current regime. What Locke said is only a snippet of what goes on at the club. Maybe you'll change your mind after another article, an autobiography or maybe a tweet from Moley.

I'll believe what Ive been told as fact over idle speculation any day. Even if its only one side of the story. I'll leave the fantastical stuff to the more imaginative posters amongst us...

I agree with a lot you say Mount.
But if the players were " a bunch of guys who love the club" they would be trying a lot harder on the field.
This is an attitude thing - If everyone put in the problems would go away.

 

[surfin]

At the very worst you can adopt this idea.

I know it's Management 101 etc and the more clued up employees would see through it but...
1: Gather the players together, ask them what's wrong, what can we do better etc.
2: Listen. Nod. Agree (every so often, don't be an asskisser, that has it's own set of issues). And promise to change things.
3: Do Sweet F.A.
4: Watch the happiness/performance/productivity rise as each employee thinks "I matter! The suits/bosses listen to me!"

Aaaaaaaaand every so often repeat the process.

I agree totally with any concerns about player power but adding to what Iafetas Kickstand Wang said, you have a meeting where things are discussed, decisions are made. For evermore, the employees are held to the decision made at that meeting. And at any rate, where the players and coaches disagree about tactics, etc it's the coaches who hold sway.

Let me take this discussion down to it's basic level:
1: I'm (at present) a Warriors season ticket holder.
2: I'm a Warriors fan, season ticket or not.
3: I want to see The team either winning or doing everything within their power to not lose.
4: I'd like to think that the Warriors club is a happy place (happy as in everyone gets on as professionals/workmates etc, not happy as in everyone's everyone's mate necessarily) and aside from any unpleasantness that comes from the team losing, players playing badly, disagreement over different ideas (which are resolved one way or the other) etc all of which are quite sensible sources of unpleasantness everyone gets on with what is their job.
5: Salicious gossip is interesting to read but doesn't really mean much to me unless it's verified and I realise the problems that might descend upon this esteemed forum if certain observations/gossip was/were A: Aired and Verified or even just B: Aired. So even if 4: isn't reality, I don't really care if Mr Johnson sends Mr Elliott a Christmas card or not, regards him as a great coach etc (as an example). In fact, not only do I not care, I sometimes think that that might be the best thing.

I'd quit the Warriors because they got rid of a coach before I'd quit the Warriors because they got rid of a player.

Looks like your taking my whole sausage sizzle, chook raffle thing seriously, so we're going to buy the club then?

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

Kevin Locke Quotes in the Daily Telegraph.

Communication issues at the Warriors ? How was locke shopping around while Elliot was making media denials ......it would seem Locke had been given the nod by the club ?

Go nuts !

In fact, he's still wondering and it's one of the first things he wants to establish when he returns to New Zealand after this World Cup.

"It's been really tough," he said. "Throughout the year, it played on my mind. I never really had it explained to me and I don't know what's going on back home and what (coach) Matty Elliott and the coaching staff have in mind for me next year.

"You don't bring someone over just to challenge for a spot and not play them. I'm not that stupid. If I do everything I can to be part of that squad week in, week out, then I'm doing the right things.

"If I do that and I'm still not being picked, then I know where I stand and I know where it's leading to. I'm 24 and this is the time when you need to make decisions that are best for you. I have a family and I need to take that into account."

It's why Locke was tempted when the Warriors asked him at the end of the season if he wanted to see if he could secure something for next year.

But the window closed and he will return to the club next year.

"I have to be honest, I had a look," he said. "But it was all up in the air. When my manager told me I could get a release, I didn't know what to do.
"Matty Elliott didn't even know about it. That was the hard thing. When Matty found out about it, he called it all off and I had to accept it and move on.

Read more: KIWIS RLWC2013 Campaign | Page 30 | NZ Warriors.com | NZ Rugby League Supporters

...and some of you are accusing the players of being prima donnas. This is the type of shit they are having to put up with from the staff and front office...

Players have to put up with this .....at every NRL club.
I know you are friends or know some of the players - but this situation happens at every single NRL club, just about ever year.

It is not a nice situation, however that is the ruthlessness of professional sport.

As for Elliot not knowing...please.
Im sure Elliot wouldnt mid having locke available for 2014 . .. Locke manager would asked for permission to look around.

Couldnt find anything for sure.....Warriors looked at their books couldnt find a better wing, outside back depth decided to retain him.
After letting packer and taukieaho go.

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

The thing about those two as that they may very well be the least happy players in the club - but by their performances, you'd be struggling to actually see it.

In any workplace you're going to have "the workers" put their hand up every so often and say a polite version of "What the fuck, boss?" I personally regard any workforce where no-one has the nerve to question anything if they don't understand/don't agree with a certain proposal as not a very healthy place (can't learn or improve if you don't ask etc, don't assume just because it is that way that means it has to or should stay that way) . Obviously if staff get their heads bitten off every time, that's another problem.

The only influence the front office should have on contract extensions/releases is negotiating the money side. I'm very unhappy if it's getting to the point - or maybe it's always been at the point - where the front office makes the final decision about keeping players. They should present the financial/contractual reasons why or why not but the coaching staff absolutely must be the ones to sign off an anything.

Im a sure that is how it works at every NRL club including the Warriors...players and fans alike place CEO and co as the Hero or Villain when securing players.
However it will be the team staff - that idenfity players they want, need and players that the club need to get rid of.[DOUBLEPOST=1385283787][/DOUBLEPOST]

ME had pre-season to achieve this, but it appears that didn't happen. The problem with Coaches that talk too much is people stop listening real fast when they don't like what they are hearing or feel like they are getting a sermon. The good Coaches that have gone into clubs of late have earnt players respect by a hands on approach, doing it tough with the players during pre-season. I
It came out this year that the knights players were almost fearful of Bennett and didn't know how to take his approach or lack of talking, Big Willie has been given some kudos for building the bridge between all involved by showing that Bennett has a sense of humour and is not that unapproachable.

I disagree...It will this pre-season and early season when he can turn things around.

Didnt he just get signed on this time last year....appointed new staff.
He would of had no idea of strength and weakness of his squad - on and off the field.

Good point re: the leaders standing up and building that bridge.
To be honest the leaders need to sort out the professionalism of some of the squad members.

 

[mt.wellington]

As for Elliot not knowing...please. Im sure Elliot wouldnt mid having locke available for 2014 . .. Locke manager would asked for permission to look around.

I'll believe Locke over you anyday. Unless theres something your telling us. You Lockes manager???

 

[ramraider78]

Im a sure that is how it works at every NRL club including the Warriors...players and fans alike place CEO and co as the Hero or Villain when securing players.
However it will be the team staff - that idenfity players they want, need and players that the club need to get rid of.[DOUBLEPOST=1385283787][/DOUBLEPOST]



Good point re: the leaders standing up and building that bridge.
To be honest the leaders need to sort out the professionalism of some of the squad members.

Which is why the club imo should be shopping now for proven players with leadership skills on/off field.

 

[slaughterhouse.sa]

I'll believe Locke over you anyday. Unless theres something your telling us. You Lockes manager???

Im not saying Locke is lying...but to say Elliot didnt know anything about it.
Im sure releasing Packer (who would of good money) would of meant they would be happy to hold of of locke.

As soon as a club signs a big name players in a certain position (lets say fullback).
If there is a current ....quality player in that position - instantly the manager of the current player who at least think about or assess moving there player on.

However Lockes manager would have to find something from club before taking back to warriors to get accepted.[DOUBLEPOST=1385286740][/DOUBLEPOST]

Which is why the club imo should be shopping now for proven players with leadership skills on/off field.

Hopefully they are...even guys like Mark Minichello, Alex Glenn type players.
Not neccesarily the best players

But competitiors and like you said professionals that you can rely on - on and off field.

 

[ramraider78]

.[DOUBLEPOST=1385286740][/DOUBLEPOST]

Hopefully they are...even guys like Mark Minichello, Alex Glenn type players.
Not neccesarily the best players

But competitiors and like you said professionals that you can rely on - on and off field.

Thats all we are missing imo to compliment our talented roster.didnt think abt those names but i was hoping for 1 or 2 of the following for 2015- adam blair, james graham,bronson harrison,tom leroyd lahrs (long shots but was hoping recruitment are reading)

 

[Raurimu Massive]

Been away from here for a fair while, so had a lot of reading here to catch up with this thread. This person's saying this, that person's doing that. Allegedly. Or not. Maybe. The coach is useless or the coach is great. Players are the problem or players are let down by head office. Players, coach, head office; it's like some unholy trinity where blame turns into a merry-go-round of finger pointing.

In the past I've lapped that shit up, worried about what's happening in the background, the direction of the club, and above all the club culture. But reading this thread in one sitting seriously did my head in. I've stopped giving a damn about the background games and maneuverings. I know behind the scene stuff will influence on-field performance, but from now I reckon I'll cheer on whoever's taken the field and leave it at that.

 

[Iafetas Kickstand Wang]

I definitely would not go down that path. The team have already shown what they will do with the slightest power. These guys need to know they are employees, and a rebellion will never be tolerated. Any sort of collectiveness gives them an opinion that they should do what is best for themselves personally, when they are only there to make the team succeed.

The only ownership they get is of a jersey, provided they play well enough.

You don't need to give them power to empower them. The final decision always sits with those above. The chances of those decisions being executed correctly, such as cultural changes, are miles better if you engage them through the process.[DOUBLEPOST=1385357659][/DOUBLEPOST]

At the very worst you can adopt this idea.

I know it's Management 101 etc and the more clued up employees would see through it but...
1: Gather the players together, ask them what's wrong, what can we do better etc.
2: Listen. Nod. Agree (every so often, don't be an asskisser, that has it's own set of issues). And promise to change things.
3: Do Sweet F.A.
4: Watch the happiness/performance/productivity rise as each employee thinks "I matter! The suits/bosses listen to me!"

Aaaaaaaaand every so often repeat the process.

I agree totally with any concerns about player power but adding to what Iafetas Kickstand Wang said, you have a meeting where things are discussed, decisions are made. For evermore, the employees are held to the decision made at that meeting. And at any rate, where the players and coaches disagree about tactics, etc it's the coaches who hold sway.

Let me take this discussion down to it's basic level:
1: I'm (at present) a Warriors season ticket holder.
2: I'm a Warriors fan, season ticket or not.
3: I want to see The team either winning or doing everything within their power to not lose.
4: I'd like to think that the Warriors club is a happy place (happy as in everyone gets on as professionals/workmates etc, not happy as in everyone's everyone's mate necessarily) and aside from any unpleasantness that comes from the team losing, players playing badly, disagreement over different ideas (which are resolved one way or the other) etc all of which are quite sensible sources of unpleasantness everyone gets on with what is their job.
5: Salicious gossip is interesting to read but doesn't really mean much to me unless it's verified and I realise the problems that might descend upon this esteemed forum if certain observations/gossip was/were A: Aired and Verified or even just B: Aired. So even if 4: isn't reality, I don't really care if Mr Johnson sends Mr Elliott a Christmas card or not, regards him as a great coach etc (as an example). In fact, not only do I not care, I sometimes think that that might be the best thing.

I'd quit the Warriors because they got rid of a coach before I'd quit the Warriors because they got rid of a player.

In terms of player power and engagement, one of the best examples was the so called crisis meeting at the Warriors earlier this year. The players listened, the players spoke, improvements were made.

Agree with 5 entirely too. Frankly IMO 90% of what is written about who is going where regards Warriors players I've come to regard as turgid tripe.

 

[surfin]

 

[Buck777]

https://m.thewarriors.com.au/news-display/VIDEO--World-Cup-winners-Ropati-and-Rapira/88013

Backs up what've I've heard - JRo is worth every cent for his promotion of a pro team culture.
There's another influence which I understand is having a positive influence on some of the boys ~ he's just recently joined the blues!!
Looking good for next year

 

[Spence]

Backs up what've I've heard - JRo is worth every cent for his promotion of a pro team culture.
There's another influence which I understand is having a positive influence on some of the boys ~ he's just recently joined the blues!!
Looking good for next year

That's something I never thought about, how Benji would interact with the Warriors boys. Can you expand on what you're saying?

 

[surfin]

That's something I never thought about, how Benji would interact with the Warriors boys. Can you expand on what you're saying?

He's got them all medical insurance.

 

[Apus]

Newcastle Knights recruit Russell Packer charged with assault over Martin Place stoush | News.com.au

So, anyone still unhappy we let him go?

 

[ramraider78]

https://m.thewarriors.com.au/news-display/VIDEO--World-Cup-winners-Ropati-and-Rapira/88013

Backs up what've I've heard - JRo is worth every cent for his promotion of a pro team culture.
There's another influence which I understand is having a positive influence on some of the boys ~ he's just recently joined the blues!!
Looking good for next year

Thats a bit cryptic buck about benji - he joining us if he cakes it in union?

 

[Buck777]

Thats a bit cryptic buck about benji - he joining us if he cakes it in union?

No he's with the blues but having a lot of contact with a few warriors with some good advice I understand.

 

[Buck777]

Newcastle Knights recruit Russell Packer charged with assault over Martin Place stoush | News.com.au

So, anyone still unhappy we let him go?

No I'm not

 

[Buck777]

That's something I never thought about, how Benji would interact with the Warriors boys. Can you expand on what you're saying?

Sorry lol I didn't intend to be cryptic. When benji came over the blues were really pro him just getting back to enjoying his footy again. Encouraged him to get back into touch football - something the tigers had stopped him from doing since 2010. He's loving it. It was when he went to the awards night and things unraveled with packer that he actually got really concerned with. They all look up to him and he, I understand, has been a positive influence.

 

[Sup42]

Reflections about the Nines, did we do all we could have to expose our brand to the World ?

It strikes me that the Warriors underestimated the impact of the Nines and got this thing wrong first time up to bat.

News that Warriors Merchandise sold out at the Ground within the first two hours is interesting for a club that sells so much of the stuff.

We lead the NRL in Merchandising. It's one of our Ceo's feathers in his cap.

Upon reflection I see a club that selected a middle of the road line up , took fifteen retail hours too little product to market.....and watched while the full strength Nines promoters the Cronullar Sharks stole the show ( they sold out day two by lunch time , so they got it wrong too.....significantly less than our mob ).

If we can sell out in two hours with Charlie Gub , Seb , Tuimavave , and Kata......

What happens next year will be the clincher about whether the Warriors head office have the pulse of their fans....their new fans....( the faithful Cry has lead Warriors HQ to drink their own Cool aide imo ).

1) Top line up 2015 no scrimping , bring out the beast and Mannering

2) In that Weather I Want to be able to buy a Warriors Singlet and the club to sell a Million bucks of their stuff.

3) I want to see Warriors Flags for a buck or two ( costs 2cents to make in China will do me )

4) I want these guys to win. I don't care if they lose round one to the Eels. I could live with that with the NRL nines Trophy pasted all over the NZ Herald and the other Rugby medium in this country.

5) Where was the Warriors award for best costume Warrior theme ? how bout they sell some of those loathsome Joker masks to the kids.....poor and ignorant folk......trashy rich tasteless folk.....want one of those.

Joker impersonator or better still Mad Butcher impersonator contest ( with Sir Peter entering on the sly and winning secound Prize then he opens his mouth.....It's me dummies !!! ).