Hugh McGahan: Decision shows commitment to change

Andrew McFadden felt change was needed at the club, and let go Ricky Henry and Adam Mogg. Photo / NZ Herald

Opinion

Andrew McFadden's move to change his coaching after-guard is an indication he has a strong plan and a clear idea on how he wants to get there.

To sack his assistants Ricky Henry and Adam Mogg so early into his tenure shows he has a clear belief in what his playing personnel need if they are to improve. His current crew were not going to cut it in McFadden's eyes and he clearly wants people who can drive his work ethic and deliver it in the same way.

It's a bold move. It's easy finding coaches who think the same way. It's a lot more difficult to get ones who can deliver the message in the same way he wants and with the intensity and language he wants.

Some coaches would play it safe and make one change but to change both indicates commitment to make a difference. The appointment of Tony Iro as McFadden's assistant is a very good one. Tony will fit in very well, he knows how the Warriors work and has the players' respect.

He brings everything that's required from an assistant. He's a no-nonsense, old-school coach - he was the same as a player - who sets high demands of the players.

I don't know McFadden and haven't even met him but I'm impressed with his demeanour. He doesn't get ruffled at question-time and is concise in his answers. I like that and, if he's like that to his players, even better.

Players need to be constantly scrutinised in their output and GPS monitors go only part of the way. You can't beat the eye of a coach who reads body language well enough to extract the most out of his players.

Shortcuts are in the DNA of most players and they constantly look to take them if the coach is looking elsewhere. If there are three coaches overseeing the training session, scrutiny increases.

McFadden could comfortably walk away from training to work on things like game plans safe in the knowledge the players would be in good hands with Tony. There would be nowhere to hide when Tony is around, no one could shirk from their responsibilities, which is how it is in clubs like the Storm and Sea Eagles.

The players have admitted training has intensified under McFadden, which begs the question: What were they doing before?

Not all players fit into this category but it takes only a small percentage to tip the balance and affect the rest of the squad.

Expectation is a word lost in translation with fans, as it has manifested into a negative outlook as opposed to a positive one.

But fans can expect a more positive season in 2015 if McFadden gets the people he's looking for.