Wests Tigers this morning released a statement announcing that 3 members of Mick Potter's support staff will not have their contracts extended beyond 2013. Whilst the names of the trio have not been formally offered, it's also noted that coach Mick Potter's future remains none the wiser after the release of the said statement.
Last night Twitter went into over drive for Wests Tigers fans after a tweet from Rugby League Week's "The Mole" suggested Potter would be punted in the near future. A #SavePotter hash tag then ensued with the overwhelming belief that sacking Potter would be like reversing a semi into lake. The argument for Potter to stay has been done on here before, summarised below as:
- Potter's arrival in November meant he had no say in the shaping of the 2013 playing roster.
- His late arrival also meant it best he stuck with the same coaching personnel as Tim Sheens. He also opted to press ahead with the already organised pre season plans for 2013.
- A playing roster that looked noticeably short on NRL experience in regards to its depth. The top 17 were fine, outside of that was different story. The problem here surfaced once an horrific injury toll on senior players kicked in. Wests Tigers then lost 7 games on the trot.
- Benji Marshall. Marshall has handled this entire situation about as well as an 8 year old kid with a spoilt brat attitude. Pathetic really. I've got no doubts that he's behind the player power that has raised concerns about Potter's management. In a season where the Tigers really could've used the talent of Marshall, his form has been at an all time low. Even 18 year old Benji was better than the current one. The form of other key players has also hurt Potter's reputation this season.
- Boardroom drama. Which way are Wests Tigers heading? Granted that the situation has improved since Grant Mayer's appointment as CEO, but prior to that it was a rabble and factions in the boardroom remain a real hindrance to the club.
For all of the above though, it won't matter. Ultimately the board at Wests Tigers will judge the coach however they want. Suggestions that players aren't happy with Potter's management will no doubt be investigated. I don't doubt the club will investigate it all thoroughly. The problem for us fans is that we are outside looking in. It's hard for us to say too much of any sense. From here it seems any parting of ways with Potter would be harsh, unfortunate, crazy, absurd, suicidal and over the top. At the end of the day though we'll just need to trust the club. I don't think they want to pay out yet another coach, so any decision made is one that will simply have to be trusted and accepted no matter how much biting of the tongue will be required.
This morning's statement does little to convince anyone that Potter will be staying. It's carefully worded to perceive that there is no decision to be made regarding Potter's future.........yet, but there's also nothing to suggest he won't be sacked at some point in the future. It appears in my view that the club has either already made a decision which has not been made publically, or that they will take the final month of the season to monitor the situation.
I'll finish by saying this though, this morning the waters have just become a little murkier. Potter best be prepared for the worst.
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