Bullseye wrote:
I'd say he's a promising coach with a bit to learn. I can see him getting a job in the lower levels of SL provided the reasons he's left Leigh (of which I know nowt) don't get in the way for some reason.
Leigh played attractive attacking rugby under him but also had a hard edge (which you need). They did get undone when faced with stronger teams as they seemed unable to rein in the "hail Mary" rugby when patience was needed the hard edge often turned into ill discipline too which was punished more heavily. I think that's a symptom of playing in a weaker competition as they often weren't tested so never had to play any other way.
Whether it's fair to put that weakness down to Rowley I don't know. Players can develop bad habits when they're not being tested and it's hard for a coach to overcome that if you're still winning comfortably most weeks.
I agree with just about all of that, 'Bullseye'. Our implosion in the Qualifiers was probably down to a few factors, but I fervently hope that all at our club identified the reasons and learned from them. And that definitely has to include the coaching team.
For me, Paul's biggest achievement was in getting a squad together, three years ago, when it looked like the club was going under, at the start of the season. Not only did he astonishingly put together a quality side, with virtually no assistance, he instilled the belief in them that they could play, finishing second to a very good Featherstone team. (and then imploding in the play-offs!!!) Sure, two successive league titles have been good, but it was what he did in extreme adversity, that impressed me.
Personally, I feel he needs to move elsewhere, to further his career - and I wish him every success with that.
