The Rise of Salford

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I have no doubt that Hastings stuffed up though we have never been fully informed as to what that was. Did he break the law, did he punch a sponsor out, did he have film of some lewd behaviour? OK, he had trouble fitting in. That happens a lot. Ask DCE. A sensible coach will try to address these issues. Look at Suli. Also kicked out of clubs for attitude issues. Yet under Hasler he's becoming a star. Thing is Hastings didn't seem to do anything really serious, just was somewhat petulant. But you know, I've got a lot of time for the kid. He obviously felt an outsider, probably poor self image etc whatever. But given the right opportunities and a feeling of belonging, he's going gangbusters in England. He just wanted a chance to prove his worth and Barrett continually denied him that because of a personality issue and his own inflexible attitude to the game. I've been in situations like that. I remember one person who I considered arrogant, unfriendly, a personality needing a major gear shift. And I said that to them. But I respected that persons talent and when a role came up that I knew that person was good at, I actually pushed for that person to get the job. And that person did it well and thrived. Personalities are always complex issues, but you must never forget what you have the person there for. In professional situations you pick the person best suited to the job. Personalities are secondary factors to deal with later. Hastings was there to play football, not to be liked.

And I will point one issue that really impressed me about the kid. He publicly admitted that he had been wrong and put himself down for his behaviour. That took a lot of courage and insight in my opinion. Did we ever hear that from Barrett? Takes two to tango as they say. Hastings took responsibility for his actions. Sure maybe he should have looked in the mirror earlier, but who knows what was going through his head at the time. Barrett never did but blamed others for his plight.

A great narrative .... but it continues to ignore the important fact .... over 2 years Barrett gave him 4 chances .... including engaging specialist councillors ..... Hastings was not ever given anything other than the greatest shot at coming good .....

At what point is too much .... too much ...... is it when your normally mature, cool, level headed and professional Captain is drawn into going into his room to have a confrontation with him ?? .... .... or wait ..... that was probably DCE's fault .... or maybe a "sensible" coach wouldn't have made DCE captain ?

And yes he was there to play football ... and yes personalties are always complex .... and yes they are secondary factors ..... and sports teams ... particularly Rugby League have to accomodate all sorts of ratbags ..... but when one personalty has the potential to disrupt an entire squad ..... and again .... I point out DCE was obviously upset to the point of taking matters into his own hands ..... maybe Barrett should have kept Hastings around the team and sacked DCE ..... that would have been sensible ....

... And Suli was well under way on turning his life around under Barrett ... long before Dessie arrived ...... Dessie has just put the cherry on top ....

... you say Barrett has not claimed any blame .... what for ? .... Hastings himself has publically admitted fault twice .... and I add has never .... never come out and critised Barrett .... and to Barrett's credit .... he has also never publicly said anything about Hastings or his issues .... which I believe was more to protect Hastings than any selfish motive .....

But then again .... I suppose had Trent Robinson been a "sensible" coach ...... we would never have had these issues in the first place ..... Robertoson only put up with hastings for 6 months ..... maybe Barrett's problem was he stuck solid with him for 2 years ....
 
A great narrative .... but it continues to ignore the important fact .... over 2 years Barrett gave him 4 chances .... including engaging specialist councillors ..... Hastings was not ever given anything other than the greatest shot at coming good .....

At what point is too much .... too much ...... is it when your normally mature, cool, level headed and professional Captain is drawn into going into his room to have a confrontation with him ?? .... .... or wait ..... that was probably DCE's fault .... or maybe a "sensible" coach wouldn't have made DCE captain ?

And yes he was there to play football ... and yes personalties are always complex .... and yes they are secondary factors ..... and sports teams ... particularly Rugby League have to accomodate all sorts of ratbags ..... but when one personalty has the potential to disrupt an entire squad ..... and again .... I point out DCE was obviously upset to the point of taking matters into his own hands ..... maybe Barrett should have kept Hastings around the team and sacked DCE ..... that would have been sensible ....

... And Suli was well under way on turning his life around under Barrett ... long before Dessie arrived ...... Dessie has just put the cherry on top ....

... you say Barrett has not claimed any blame .... what for ? .... Hastings himself has publically admitted fault twice .... and I add has never .... never come out and critised Barrett .... and to Barrett's credit .... he has also never publicly said anything about Hastings or his issues .... which I believe was more to protect Hastings than any selfish motive .....

But then again .... I suppose had Trent Robinson been a "sensible" coach ...... we would never have had these issues in the first place ..... Robertoson only put up with hastings for 6 months ..... maybe Barrett's problem was he stuck solid with him for 2 years ....


I take your point Woodsie.

But honestly do we really know what happened behind closed doors. I'm not for one moment suggesting Hastings didn't do himself and the team a disservice. He admits that. But Woodsie we have players in our team who have committed criminal acts, assaulted people. My mention of DCE was not about Hastings it was about his problems early on with Watmough, The Stewarts etc. Personalities are like that. Difference is Hasler knew how to deal with it.

Now I am not suggesting that Barrett, who quite honestly seemed to be losing control of the teams difficulties, didn't make the right decision in penalising Hastings by sending him to reserve grade. A fitting punishment and one Hastings admitted shook him and made him look at himself. But to ban him permanently, a player who in games I saw him play added an X factor to the Manly attack, and while struggling to put together a team as it was, astounded me.and still does.

Punishment is to correct behaviour primarily, not to exile. Barrett may have tried to address Hastings issues, but in my mind the common sense position would have been to say 'Ok now you know what happens if you stuff up, you miss first grade' and then bring him back to see if the lesson has been learned. Hastings had hardly been given a good chance in the club. He played only 13 games in 2 years and mostly off the bench, sometimes for well less than half a game. He's played half, five eighth and hooker, yet was given no opportunity to try out in the halves, even wen we were struggling. Sorry, I agree Hastings stuffed up...and he apologised. But Barrett also stuffed up in my opinion.
 
I take your point Woodsie.

But honestly do we really know what happened behind closed doors. I'm not for one moment suggesting Hastings didn't do himself and the team a disservice. He admits that. But Woodsie we have players in our team who have committed criminal acts, assaulted people. My mention of DCE was not about Hastings it was about his problems early on with Watmough, The Stewarts etc. Personalities are like that. Difference is Hasler knew how to deal with it.

Now I am not suggesting that Barrett, who quite honestly seemed to be losing control of the teams difficulties, didn't make the right decision in penalising Hastings by sending him to reserve grade. A fitting punishment and one Hastings admitted shook him and made him look at himself. But to ban him permanently, a player who in games I saw him play added an X factor to the Manly attack, and while struggling to put together a team as it was, astounded me.and still does.

Punishment is to correct behaviour primarily, not to exile. Barrett may have tried to address Hastings issues, but in my mind the common sense position would have been to say 'Ok now you know what happens if you stuff up, you miss first grade' and then bring him back to see if the lesson has been learned. Hastings had hardly been given a good chance in the club. He played only 13 games in 2 years and mostly off the bench, sometimes for well less than half a game. He's played half, five eighth and hooker, yet was given no opportunity to try out in the halves, even wen we were struggling. Sorry, I agree Hastings stuffed up...and he apologised. But Barrett also stuffed up in my opinion.

You are correct ... we don't know the lengths Manly and the councillors went to ... to correct Hastings shortcommings ..... so why the desire to sheet the fault home to the club ... and specifically Barrett .... at least Barrett didn't get into a punch up with him .... but DCE did .... so let's blame all hastings woes on DCE .... faced with a problem or choice between your Captain, the QLD SOO captain, the Aust half, team harmony and Hastings ..... there was only ever going to be one outcome .....

... and your point about players with criminal pasts is not very relevant .... those issues did not impact on team harmony and unity ... a personalty that does is a much different and corrosive presence ......

Hastings has had other more experienced and good coaches previously .... since his jnr days .... and none apparently found the way to correct his behavour .... at least Barrett gave it 2 years and 4 chances ..... perhaps had he been a more experienced coach he would have given Hastings less time ......
 
You are correct ... we don't know the lengths Manly and the councillors went to ... to correct Hastings shortcommings ..... so why the desire to sheet the fault home to the club ... and specifically Barrett .... at least Barrett didn't get into a punch up with him .... but DCE did .... so let's blame all hastings woes on DCE .... faced with a problem or choice between your Captain, the QLD SOO captain, the Aust half, team harmony and Hastings ..... there was only ever going to be one outcome .....

... and your point about players with criminal pasts is not very relevant .... those issues did not impact on team harmony and unity ... a personalty that does is a much different and corrosive presence ......

Hastings has had other more experienced and good coaches previously .... since his jnr days .... and none apparently found the way to correct his behavour .... at least Barrett gave it 2 years and 4 chances ..... perhaps had he been a more experienced coach he would have given Hastings less time ......


I would challenge that last paragraph. There is nothing to suggest Hastings had any problems with junior coaches. He had difficulties with Robinson, but then played 34 games with SC. He had problems with Barrett. No problems overseas and recently signed a good contract with Wigan, the Superleague's No 2 side. Cant be causing problems there, but then he was given his chance to impress. I know Woodsie you want to protect Barrett but honestly he wasn't up to the task with the Sea Eagles. Many reasons I know, some out of his control, but he was a novice with little idea about maintaining team cohesion. That was clearly evident last year. The issue about the convicted people was to demonstrate that Hastings' issues were minor in comparison. As for Robinson he let Hastings go but suggestions of serious issues there are paper talk. Read what Robinson said

And when quizzed on the matter, Robinson admitted Hastings also had trouble fitting in with the Roosters playing group before he was released at the end of 2016.

“He obviously had some issues here at different times,” Robinson said.

“The only thing I would say is it sometimes easier to forgive someone when they do commit a crime and then say sorry and come back.

“Jackson’s not a bad guy, he doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s not doing anything wrong there. Obviously he just needs to work on team environment.

“He’s not going to misbehave. He never has.”

Most of Hastings problems at Sydney City were because they had signed Watson, Matterson and then Luke Keary. Hastings had problems with Robinson but this pushed him down the pecking order and he requested a release, he wasn't sacked. Robinson admits he has problems fitting in but as he said he never did anything wrong other than that. The problems he had at Manly were apparently because he didn't get on with DCE, not unusual when you consider DCE's record. And that's not to put down DCE. He's a strong personality and apparently can tend to be abrasive, but that makes him a good captain.

Thing is if every one who had problems fitting in was shown the door, we'd have a lot fewer players. DCE was one who almost was pushed out himself. To me it demonstrates inadequate abilities on the part of management to address personality issues effectively. Des obviously knows how to do it. Barrett didn't.
 
@Bearfax ... you keep rewriting history .... his problems throughout the juniors was common knowledge ..... St george let him go ... and yes he played 30 odd games for SC .... but then Robinson exiled him to the Central Coast ... and there weren't any clubs lining up to throw him a lifeline ...... that is until a childhood mentor .. Barrett drove up the highway to rescue him .....

I know you have a hatred for Barrett .... but not all things including rap music and Hastings is his fault .... in none of your narratives have you conceded that Barrett gave him 2 years, employed a professional councillor and 4 chances, all in an effort to help the kid realise his potential .... and when Hastings failed .... you take the astonishing view .... that Barrett didn't support him and the fault is obviously Barrett's .... or even concede that his issues were severe enough to make a level headed captain like DCE lose it .....

and PSS ..... a coach can only do so much ... he has 30 players to worry about .... he will go that extra yard for most of them .... but when all is said and done and the history books are being written ..... it is what the player's attitude is ... and what he does that makes the difference ....

I am glad Hastings is going well ... a bit of maturity and new surroundings ... and the lessons learned by being dumped by 3 clubs ... dispite unquestioned talent have seen him turn the corner ..... and good luck to him ....

PSSS ... and his exile wasn't punishment .... it was an admission that nothing had worked and the team was better without his presence at training or in the sheds ....
 
@Bearfax ... you keep rewriting history .... his problems throughout the juniors was common knowledge ..... St george let him go ... and yes he played 30 odd games for SC .... but then Robinson exiled him to the Central Coast ... and there weren't any clubs lining up to throw him a lifeline ...... that is until a childhood mentor .. Barrett drove up the highway to rescue him .....

I know you have a hatred for Barrett .... but not all things including rap music and Hastings is his fault .... in none of your narratives have you conceded that Barrett gave him 2 years, employed a professional councillor and 4 chances, all in an effort to help the kid realise his potential .... and when Hastings failed .... you take the astonishing view .... that Barrett didn't support him and the fault is obviously Barrett's .... or even concede that his issues were severe enough to make a level headed captain like DCE lose it .....

and PSS ..... a coach can only do so much ... he has 30 players to worry about .... he will go that extra yard for most of them .... but when all is said and done and the history books are being written ..... it is what the player's attitude is ... and what he does that makes the difference ....

I am glad Hastings is going well ... a bit of maturity and new surroundings ... and the lessons learned by being dumped by 3 clubs ... dispite unquestioned talent have seen him turn the corner ..... and good luck to him ....

PSSS ... and his exile wasn't punishment .... it was an admission that nothing had worked and the team was better without his presence at training or in the sheds ....


Hey careful there Woodsie. Don't put words in my mouth mate. I never said I hated Barrett. I said he was a novice who didn't know how to handle the situation at Manly with the players. And the information I gave you was a quotation from Robinson by the way. You are allowing emotion to get into this issue. I'm merely pointing out what is recorded and what I considered about Hastings and Barrett's performances. And I was certainly not alone in pointing out the problems last year. It has absolutely nothing to do with my feelings about Barrett as a person. He seems an OK sort of guy, though as I pointed out and many on this forum agreed, Barrett looked to blame others for his plight. You obviously have no idea how I assess things. Having been a parole officer for 34 years, you learn to be dispassionate and assess people by their actions, not how you feel about them. Its never personal. I laid the blame quite clearly on Hastings. I laid blame on Barrett. One behaved foolishly, the other was unable to deal with the issues in a common sense manner. That's all I have been saying. Attacking me diminishes your argument Woodsie
 
Krisnan Inu got 5 goals?

How good if the World Club Challenge is Salford vs Canberra.

Wigan Hardaker; Marshall, Hankinson, Gildart, Burgess; Williams, Leuluai; Flower, Powell, Partington, Isa, Farrell, O’Loughlin. Interchange Clubb, Byrne, Smithies, French.

Salford Evalds; Sio, Welham, Bibby, Inu; Lolohea, Hastings; Mossop, Tomkins, Dudson, Jones, Griffin, McCarthy. Interchange Lussick, Flanagan, Walker, Burke.

Maybe, just maybe, dreams do come true after all. A fortnight ago when Salford were beaten here in Wigan and forced to take the long road to Old Trafford their incredible underdog story looked to be reaching its conclusion. But this group of misfits – the majority of whom were released by other clubs – have made a habit of defying the critics in 2019. The second-lowest spenders in Super League only just survived on the final day last year, so preseason predictions of a relegation struggle were fully merited, or so we thought. Yet here, it was Salford who looked like seasoned Super League champions, and Wigan the perennial strugglers. The scale of this victory is underlined by the fact it was only Salford’s fourth at Wigan in 40 years.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...medium=&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1570224428
 
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Jackson Hastings man of the match interview.
https://twitter.com/SuperLeague/status/1180223314352132097
EGD-y7CXkAcpRCT.jpg
 
A full 360 means you ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU WERE BEFORE!!!!!
He learnt some stuff while doing the Hokey Pokey.

Jokes aside, good on him, happy to see that he has found somewhere that he can get on and just play footy. It's a shame for us that things didn't work out differently but that's life sometimes.
 
And you can tell in his words that this is all part of his redemption story as he knows he ****ed up badly!!
This is backed up by an article in Blindside in today's Daily, which in part says:
"Coming to England made me realise I was in a fortunate position at home and I let it slip out of my hands," he recently said in an interview."

Another part of interest:
"The rejuvenated Hastings is expected to be named in coach Wayne Bennett's final squad for Great Britain's tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to be announced next Sunday."

He's surprisingly only 23, so maybe one day he'll return 'home' and have a better stint in the NRL now that he's woken up :cool:
 
A great narrative .... but it continues to ignore the important fact .... over 2 years Barrett gave him 4 chances .... including engaging specialist councillors ..... Hastings was not ever given anything other than the greatest shot at coming good .....

At what point is too much .... too much ...... is it when your normally mature, cool, level headed and professional Captain is drawn into going into his room to have a confrontation with him ?? .... .... or wait ..... that was probably DCE's fault .... or maybe a "sensible" coach wouldn't have made DCE captain ?

And yes he was there to play football ... and yes personalties are always complex .... and yes they are secondary factors ..... and sports teams ... particularly Rugby League have to accomodate all sorts of ratbags ..... but when one personalty has the potential to disrupt an entire squad ..... and again .... I point out DCE was obviously upset to the point of taking matters into his own hands ..... maybe Barrett should have kept Hastings around the team and sacked DCE ..... that would have been sensible ....

... And Suli was well under way on turning his life around under Barrett ... long before Dessie arrived ...... Dessie has just put the cherry on top ....

... you say Barrett has not claimed any blame .... what for ? .... Hastings himself has publically admitted fault twice .... and I add has never .... never come out and critised Barrett .... and to Barrett's credit .... he has also never publicly said anything about Hastings or his issues .... which I believe was more to protect Hastings than any selfish motive .....

But then again .... I suppose had Trent Robinson been a "sensible" coach ...... we would never have had these issues in the first place ..... Robertoson only put up with hastings for 6 months ..... maybe Barrett's problem was he stuck solid with him for 2 years ....
No offence but Barrett really sucked.....
 

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