Potter's game plan

It's been a very tough introduction to the NRL for Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter. When he was told that this is a tough league with plenty of pressure, I'm fairly confident that those warning him had little knowledge of how 2013 would play out. Besieged by injuries, player discontent/poor form, board room squabble/leaks, Potter in no way could have fared any worse than he has this season. Last night, Potter was a guest on ONE's "The Game Plan", where he was interviewed by the Daily Telegraph's Dean Ritchie and given a fair grilling on the segment.

Straight off the top, Potter was asked: Does he deserve to be there??? "I think so. Under the circumstances....I feel I deserve another crack at it", Potter replied. Those circumstances have been such that the Tigers have fielded a side so short on experience, yet so high on youth - unlike any other side in the NRL in recent years. Those circumstances though do have a silver lining perhaps. As Potter admitted "I'm confident we can do a better job in 2014". Potter noted that the younger guys being thrown into the wolves now would be better for the experience next year and even better for the year after.

On his own future, Potter revealed that board members have assured him of his job next season. However as the show's host Andrew Moore suggested, there has to be concern for Potter's future given the noises suggesting so recently. At a club where leaks are all to common, enough smoke has surely gathered to fuel the fire. Potter admitted to not being naïve about his situation but when "a person tells me face to face that i'm in that position next year, i'd take him on face value. I don't believe they are liars. I think when someone looks you in the eye and tells you something, you believe them", Potter replied.

Potter admits that it's disappointing to hear these stories of him getting the sack, but admits that it doesn't influence what he does at the club. He is man of focus. Determined to continue building the clubs playing roster into an NRL competitive one. Potter is impressed and quietly confident at the roster he has, admitting that "the future is bright for the team, the fans and the club, we just need a bit of patience", Potter said. That patience is all about letting a largely youthful squad develop at it's  own pace.  Potter believe the players will all be better for this year's experience and expects an improvement in 2014, not only on a personal front but in the teams results, admitting he's very happy with talent coming through the system.

Potter also touched on several other issues of varying interests in the interview. Admitting that Benji's departure was more due to a contractual stand off with the club more than anything else. As for the rumours of senior players losing their support for him, Potter admits that "...when there's change and things aren't going along smoothly, people get a bit nervous and look for blame. The coach is an easy target".

 Potter is confident though in the job he is doing at the club, Clearly in a rebuilding phase, upheaval is inevitable. Many fans argued that the culture of the club needed change prior to Potter's arrival. It's safe to say that change is well and truly happening and as Potter himself said. We all need to show a little patience. I think most Wests Tigers fans understand that need for patience and that it would be incredibly harsh  if the club were to depart with Potter at the helm. Nothing in life is guaranteed though, but hopefully Mick's right when he takes the board for their word in regards to 2014.