Last night, the NRL360 program was the vehicle for NRL Media to provide an unparalleled inner sanctum experience. Viewers witnessed a mic’d up Brad Arthur instructing, analysing, reacting, and feeding back to his Parramatta Eels as they took on the Manly Sea Eagles in the final game of the regular season.
And what an insight it was.
It begins with the psychological – “they have minimal respect for us”, the precisely communicated game plan reminders, “we’re gonna kick in behind them”, and the individual coaching instructions “your carries last week were unreal, we just need it earlier.”
As the game unfolds we hear the instructions about the marker defence, the first up contact, and early kicks. During games, we wonder what the coach is thinking. Why calls are made. Now we get to hear it!
Most fascinating was the call to play on or take the two after Taupau was binned. Arthur’s instinct was to play on. It mirrored how we felt in the stands.
“They have minimal respect for us”
On the ground, the players wanted to take the two. Ultimately, Arthur was prepared to support the players’ call, but was angered that he didn’t trust his own instincts. At the end of the game, it became the teaching point.
“We’re a different footy team. We’ve got a point of difference about us… I don’t want us to be negative…back ourselves”
And the honest conversations with team leaders such as Gutho and Moses provided an understanding of his relationship with the players who guide the team on the field.
We also witnessed what happens when a team plays to instructions. “Keep going to this left edge. If we keep going there, we will get some reward.”
Oh – there was reward. How about a treble to Maika Sivo!
And after the game, it’s family. Player’s kids. Brad’s kids. All enjoying the sheds.
What amazing access.
To quote Ben Ikin, “That was magnificent!”
For too long, fans have been on the outside looking in. And when it comes to aspects of the relationships between coaches and players – and the sanctity of the dressing rooms, this is understandable.
However, as fans, we want to understand our game and our teams as much as possible. If our code is to fully embrace and respect the fans, and take coverage to the next level, access like this becomes invaluable.
I’m proud that the team that I support has made taken this step. I’m grateful that Brad Arthur has been the catalyst for this access.
Eels forever!
Sixties
(Image courtesy FoxNRL)
