The Cumberland Throw

Reaction – Has Arthur Set The Standard For Fan Access?

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)

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14 thoughts on “Reaction – Has Arthur Set The Standard For Fan Access?

  1. Seth hardie

    I agree sixties, it was a refreshing insight. Let’s hope this weekend the players win or lose by their own hand and not get dudded by officials.The promise of Dylan Brown is tantalising, long may he run. Go the Blue and Golds.

  2. Longfin Eel

    It was good to see that Brad is passionate about his team and takes real ownership of what happens on the field. It was also great to hear him speak to his players in a positive way, pointing out what they are doing well as well as encouraging them to do more, or do it better, or in a different way. That is why the players love him so much, and that is what a great coach does. Get the players respect, analyse how they are performing, devise ways to help them get to the next level and continue to encourage them to achieve that.

    Given the negativity Brad has found himself in with social media, this was a fantastic response to those throwing stones at him and the club. What we need now is for all this to come together with the injection of more skill and experience in the coming years.

    1. sixties

      Longfin, I have spoken to players past and present who volunteered that he was the reason they played at Parra. Others have said they’d never truly been coached until they were coached by him. This footage provided people with an insight into how he communicates – and given the expletives, we can safely assume that it was true to life.

  3. BDon

    Good one sixties. BA has a great rapport with players. It was interesting how many Manly players were willing to become Eels after his stint as Assistant over there. His restraint and general demeanour over the years shows strong character.
    Just as a sidebar, call me old school but i’d rather see the sheds this way than the team song, that should stay in the sheds.

    1. sixties

      Cheers BDon. I am down with old school values but the team song is now standard. It’s no longer just for the team. As long as we don’t see too many songs featuring “whoomp there it is” I’m fine with it.

  4. JonBoy

    I have now watched this for about the 6th time today and I am still struggling to find words to suitably describe the emotion that fills me when I watch it.

    I’m so proud to be a supporter of the Eels but even more so, an unashamed supporter of BA. Talk about heart on sleeve! But it is clearly more than that.

    He may have made some errors in judgement along the way (eg- playing Fergo in the centres) and some players may not have returned the demonstration of faith he has had in them at various times, but there should never be any question as to the mans ability to read a game, come up with a game plan and most importantly, motivate and direct a group of players with varying levels of EGO, attitude and dedication to the cause.

    All hate to the haters and much kudos to the man who should be Coach of the Year!

    Lets go Eels!

  5. Greg Okladnikov

    That video was absolutely brilliant…….great way to connect with the fans and give an insight. I loved how Brad said to the players to back themselves….its exactly what we want to see. Would love it if the club had an extended version….half game / full game. Would love to see it. Well done to Parra, and especially BA

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