Matabele
Journey Man
We really cannot be satisfied with a record-winning margin in tonight's Grand Final. Recent history is littered with examples of clubs that have tasted Premiership success before becoming virtually immediate basket cases.Â
The 04 Bulldogs, 05 Tigers missed the subsequent finals series and the Broncos 06 limped into 8th spot in 2007. In fact, only the Roosters and Storm have managed anything close to long-term success in the last decade, and both only have one Premiership to their credit.
So the boys (and we) can enjoy the next week perhaps but after that we need to start looking at the pitfalls of being Premiers and how we negate them.Â
The first is out of our control. Several players will now make the Test sides and will be looking at a shortened off season and the risk of injuries. Frankly, I'm hoping a guy like Matai opts for the surgery he needs rather than playing for the kiwi bridesmaids.
And Hasler is sufficiently a club man that I expect he will resist the offer of State of Origin coach next year.
For the players, it is important that they understand that any slackening off from this year's effort risks a finals chance – and with it the club's future. We are flat out breaking even in a Premiership winning season, and until Brookvale is re-developed we cannot afford a slide into bloated mediocrity, dwindling crowds and dissatisfied sponsors.
Enjoy tonight – but the long, hard road to Manly survival begins again tomorrow.
Disclaimer: Four years ago, when I was at my darkest worst, Wheel asked me what I'd say if we won a Premiership. At the time it seemed a fanciful notion, so I jokingly suggested I'd warn against post-Premiership complacency. I am a man of my word.
The 04 Bulldogs, 05 Tigers missed the subsequent finals series and the Broncos 06 limped into 8th spot in 2007. In fact, only the Roosters and Storm have managed anything close to long-term success in the last decade, and both only have one Premiership to their credit.
So the boys (and we) can enjoy the next week perhaps but after that we need to start looking at the pitfalls of being Premiers and how we negate them.Â
The first is out of our control. Several players will now make the Test sides and will be looking at a shortened off season and the risk of injuries. Frankly, I'm hoping a guy like Matai opts for the surgery he needs rather than playing for the kiwi bridesmaids.
And Hasler is sufficiently a club man that I expect he will resist the offer of State of Origin coach next year.
For the players, it is important that they understand that any slackening off from this year's effort risks a finals chance – and with it the club's future. We are flat out breaking even in a Premiership winning season, and until Brookvale is re-developed we cannot afford a slide into bloated mediocrity, dwindling crowds and dissatisfied sponsors.
Enjoy tonight – but the long, hard road to Manly survival begins again tomorrow.
Disclaimer: Four years ago, when I was at my darkest worst, Wheel asked me what I'd say if we won a Premiership. At the time it seemed a fanciful notion, so I jokingly suggested I'd warn against post-Premiership complacency. I am a man of my word.