I really like Trent Barrett (some of his team selections confuse me). But I think (despite the results), we are a better team for him being coach.
1. People claimed he wasn't passionate, and robotic. Well flung phones, red faces, punching tables - everything we have witnessed shows me he is ultra passionate, competitive, and has Manly at heart.
2. The last 5-6 weeks (since we have had some stability) - even though Parcell, Stewart, Matai, Symonds, Mateo, Burgess, John, Myles, Walker & others have been unavailable - we have played with a game plan, that seems to change determined by the team we are facing (and that's something we haven't had in quite some time).
3. Through the really bad period, clubs can be torn apart, and you hear about unrest. The only unrest I heard, was from players who were devastated at not being selected by their coach - because they wanted to be in the team and adding value.
4. We are grossly under the salary cap here if you look at players available. Warriors were in form when we played them. Rabbits were desperate, and our game was the one that determined if they sank or swam this season, Knights & Dragons probably should have been wins.
5. He consistently states there is improvement in us, and I believe him. When we are on fire, we look devastating to the point I don't think anyone can beat us.
6. Players are improving dramatically under him, like they used to under Des. Lussick is a machine. Buhrer seems to be playing bigger or stronger? Green has been such a smokey. Wiliame has gone to another level. Etc, etc, etc.
Mate, not only do I think he can coach, I think he can be one of the better leaders and developers. I'm loving what I see from him.