I’ll have what you’re having—Melbourne Storm, and Penrith Panthers too. Regardless of the outcome in next week’s NRL final, likely to be an epic clash against Penrith, these teams have proven that the notion of a “rebuilding phase” in elite sports is outdated and ineffective.
The top teams in the world don’t waste a few seasons rebuilding. They do it on the fly. They make tough selection decisions and recognize that moving players on before their performance declines may be harsh, but it’s crucial for the bigger picture.
There’s no room for sentimentality in holding onto players too long. Successful teams manage talent transitions seamlessly. They reward dedicated juniors when they’ve earned it, not when the veterans are past their prime and barely hanging on.
It all starts at the top. Consistency in the boardroom, particularly with coaching appointments, is key. Unlike with players, coaches and their philosophies shouldn’t be cast aside impulsively. Their roles require longevity and unwavering trust. A coach’s ability to identify and nurture talent from the junior levels needs time to develop, and the head office must have faith in their process.
The Panthers, whether they succeed tonight in turning Cronulla into a liquid dorsal delicacy or not, have demonstrated the value of sticking with a consistent coaching philosophy and fostering growth. This is critical for a team to “rebuild on the fly.” The same can be said for the Melbourne Storm, one of the great NRL dynasties, whose consistency in coaching has been a cornerstone of their ongoing success.
NRL teams chasing quick fixes, or “sugar hits,” will inevitably find that approach yields poor returns. In contrast, trusting the slow and steady approach—the turtle over the hare—has proven to be the most reliable path to long-term success for clubs.
Andrew Webster’s Warriors were woeful this season, and one hopes that the club will learn when to hold onto senior players and when to move them on. If they can take these lessons to heart, the Warriors could start building a club in the image of the Storm or Panthers.
Just imagine if the Penrose leadership had shown the necessary faith in Ivan Cleary all those years ago. What could have been…