Hugh McGahan: Turmoil triggers struggle

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter. Photo / Getty Images

Stop the rot and positive results will follow. Turmoil leads to disasters on the scoreboard and table.

It's no coincidence clubs in the lower half of the NRL have endured turmoil this season. For some, it has lasted more than a year and they continually struggle to mount a serious title bid.

Coach Andrew Griffin's tenure was distracting for the Broncos. He was constantly under the microscope from his board and, although he had support from his players and chief executive, was destined to be ousted in favour of Wayne Bennett.

The Eels have improved under new coach Brad Arthur but lacked consistency. They will become a better team under Arthur and without the public boardroom shenanigans of recent years.

The Dragons' coaching disruption has hurt them enough to falter within two games of the regular season. They will be better for it now it has settled.

The Knights will not improve as quickly after losing Bennett, although it was more ownership and financial issues that caused their upheaval this season.

The Wests Tigers are always going to struggle until their board structure changes. There's too much animosity and mistrust at this level, which distracts from their problems, and they're also blaming the coaches and players. Coach Mick Potter is expected to be replaced soon and the club's problems will again manifest.

The Titans have struggled with financial issues for the past four years - the length of time since they were in the finals series. Recruitment has been their Achilles heel and they have not had value from big-name purchases Dave Taylor and Jamal Idris. Neil Henry will help recruitment and development, but serious improvement will take at least two years.

The Raiders need a coach with results and Ricky Stuart has not had any with his last four teams. There's not much light at the end of that tunnel.

Turmoil has decimated the Sharks and I'm not sure Shane Flanagan returning as coach will help. There will be a long-lasting aura around the club regarding the misuse of supplements until the current players leave.

Players perform in the least destructive environments and negativity plays a large role in output. When players and coaches are happy and not distracted, winning follows. Reduce the acrimony at higher levels and watch results follow.