Ken Maumalo reflects on the Warriors tough start in a defeat to the Parramatta Eels. Video / NZ Herald
OPINION:
I'm not going to argue with Warriors coach Nathan Brown. He is the new ringmaster of a long playing league circus, currently touring the West Island.
The jaundiced expectation is that the clowns will hold centre stage. But right now, it's a big top experience that is wowing thecrowds with strongman displays, lion taming fear and frightening high wire acts.
The league zeitgeist is this: If Reece Walsh is good enough, he's old enough. Get him in the centre ring, shine the spotlight on him and let him bask in the applause. The young star has proven in recent weeks to be a player of rare talent, a player who can offer a spark like the man he has been picked to replace, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The fans are impatient, they want their man in the thick of it from the get-go. They've seen the immediate effect he has on proceedings and understandably want more, yet coach Brown steadfastly refuses to acquiesce to the demands of the vocal Warriors faithful. Instead of launching young Walsh into the limelight, he's chosen to carefully manage him into his eventual role at fullback, after the great Tuivasa-Sheck has fled to union.
Brown is performing a much-needed balancing act. Look after the player and the teams' needs for the short term whilst recognising the long term requirements for both parties. And it is a long game. I'm impressed with Brown's calm and considered coaching of the Warriors to date. He has shown no sign of a jerked knee, he has a measured confidence with his message and doesn't appear to oscillate with results. He's controlling the show with aplomb.
The team also find themselves in a balancing act, a precarious dalliance with the top eight. They're tenth, eighth equal on points, with only a slim differential separating them from finals football. Maintaining several air balls, right through to the grand finale (or the last act at least), is a demanding task.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Use your best player in his best position to get into finals football.
2. Reece Walsh. Maximise his limelight quality and effect without burning him out, whilst preparing him for next year's starring role.
3. Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima. Develop a double act over time to give them the best possible chance of turning into a star attraction.
4. Back stage. Juggle the supporting cast, many of whom are wrestling with injury. 28 performers used in 10 weeks is stage managing at its most difficult.
5. The crowd. That's you in the stands and the media hiding in the wings. They are the most important part of the performance, because without them you don't have a spectacle. But they cannot be allowed to take control of the show.
Nathan Brown is doing an admirable job. He has his head in a Tigers mouth this weekend and I can't even detect a trickle of sweat from beneath his top hat.
