He should have directed the questioning at Phil Gould.
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| IT'S TIME: No coach would have more influence for embattled NSW than Gould. |
Johns, a more than creditable more coaching option for the
Blues, refused to answer one-way or another about whether he would take on the representative
role.
Citing the need to not have the pressure that coaching could
bring to his life, Johns would no doubt offer an irresistible passion and
thirst to overthrow the now historic Maroons side.
Considering his lack of head-coaching experience is a valid
thought line, but he’s expertise and status in the game would far outweigh any need
for a resume of credentials.
Perhaps the far-better option is to consider hauling NSW’s
most experienced and successful Origin coach in the game’s history out of his
Penrith seclude.
Gould has transformed the Panthers into a formidable force
in the National Rugby League during his time as General Manager, both on and
off the field.
He has pushed club favourites out the door, recruited
numerous players to the club, signed many of the western-Sydney league nurseries’
talents to long-term deals, constructed one of the best sport’s headquarters in
Australia and enabled the complete turnaround of one the league’s most viable
clubs.
While ‘Gus’ has been busy working on his five-year plan in
his office-chair and boardroom role for quite some time, along with his
extensive media commitments, he has basically not been involved in coaching since
his last stint with NSW ended in 2004.
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| WINNER: Gould is the most successful Blues coach ever. |
Now, as Laurie Daley would attest, coaching a State of
Origin side is not a year-round commitment.
Yes, you have to watch players throughout the NRL season to
keep track of the moments and form, but it hardly consumes your life.
As one of the best minds in Rugby League, Gould could
probably pick his side off the top of his head without having watched as little
as a minute of a season.
The biggest effect Gould would have on the players of today
is the size of his aura and presence.
Players would cease to talk when he walked in a room. The
entire squad would respond to his status and ability as a coach. No-one would
be caught putting in half-arse efforts.
It would be no non-sense, 100 per cent commitment from Gould
that would categorically bring out the best in each and every individual.
Before NSW broke the drought in 2014, Gould sat on the
channel 9 panel and was asked similar questions to Johns. He refused to step in
and save the Blues.
If Andrew Johns is feeling ‘sick’ after watching the Blues
lose another series, I would love to know Gus Gould’s true inner-opinion.
Blatchy’s Blues are bleeding. The state is embarrassed.
Players’ confidence has been shot.
Eleven QLD series wins from the last 12 attempts,
or,
One NSW series win in the past 12 years.
It’s time to answer the call, Gus.