As we approach round 10, and the Origin series, some teams are sitting much higher than expected, some much lower, while some are pretty much spot on.
This week, social media again played host to the usual post Tuesday 5pm team list blow up, although this week was a little more heated and passionate than normal.
Some strange selection decisions on the back of some indifferent, or downright poor, form has lead some coaches to come under huge fire from their team’s fans.
Below are the five coaches who seem under huge pressure from their own fans. This is not a list of who we believe will be sacked first, nor do we have any sort of information on the status of any coach’s job security.
5. Des Hasler (Bulldogs)
The Premiership winning coach has come under fire for selecting the horribly out of form Josh Reynolds over the in-form Moses Mbye. With Mbye looking for regular first team football, many Dogs fans see Hasler as allowing the talented and versatile youngster to walk away.
Hasler’s decision to name David Klemmer outside of the 17 has also copped plenty, and rightfully so, unless injured. It is expected he will come into the 17 on game day at the expense of one of the others named on an extended bench, but it can’t be good for the young prop’s confidence.
The Bulldogs are still heavily favoured to play finals football despite their poor start to the season. Both halves are in completely opposite form to they were last year. Des has to make a decision regarding Mbye and quickly.
Injuries and suspension have halted the Dogs progress, but a win this Friday Night against heated rivals the Roosters should ease pressure on both the team and coach.
4. Rick Stone (Knights)
It seems incredible that Sione Mata’utia, a member of the 4 Nations side that contested the final last season, can’t even find a regular spot in a struggling NRL side’s run on squad. With Kurt Gidley heading to England at the end of the season, Knight’s fans are calling for a move with the future in mind.
Tyrone Roberts is another who just hasn’t performed, yet he maintains his position in the line-up, much to fan’s annoyance. Jarrod Mullen’s injury has not helped matters, and it looks as though Gagai’s move to fullback may be a semi-permanent one, which should appease fans looking for consistency.
Newcastle started the season with four straight victories, but haven’t looked the same side since. Fans in the Hunter are extremely passionate, and love their side, however their patience is limited.
As always, a win should help matters (an obvious statement) but for a team that hasn’t tasted victory in over a month, it’s especially important they put forward a polished performance this Sunday at home against the Tigers.
3. Geoff Toovey (Sea Eagles)
Even when Manly are winning, Toovey seems under pressure. Now that they are sitting last on the NRL ladder, despite having arguably one of the best 1-7 in the game, the pressure has increased.
Manly are expecting some serious cattle back soon and it should help results-wise, but Manly fans are still furious that in the past year they have lost favourite sons Glen Stewart, Anthony Watmough, Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans.
The signing of Nate Myles has been met with mainly positive reactions amongst the Brookie faithful, as they look to rebuild their struggling engine room. Blake Leary has all the makings of a genuine replacement for the much older Watmough.
Unless Manly officials can convince one of, or both, of their star halves to backflip on deals for 2016 and beyond, Manly fans won’t ease up. They’re linked with a plethora of players, and if some wins aren’t too far off, it’s likely Toovey will be able to sleep much easier.
2. Brad Arthur (Eels)
Although they lost Jarryd Hayne, most fans expected Parramatta to improve on last season, and move well away from a third wooden spoon in four seasons, but as of right now, they sit equal bottom with the Sea Eagles and Sharks.
Their big signing in Anthony Watmough, round one aside, just hasn’t fired as hoped, and some Parra fans are already looking toward 2016. Kieran Foran’s signature should provide some great excitement for the blue and golds, but 2015 still has a long way to go.
Chris Sandow will return to NSW Cup this weekend after his latest dip in form. Eels fans were annoyed that the tried and tested Luke Kelly was named over a host of talented youngsters, while Arthur has stuck with Watmough, despite his performances.
Will Hopoate has been shifted from fullback back to his favoured centre position, but has not provided the spark expected. With plenty of star players underperforming, Arthur has a job on his hands keeping the faithful happy before his star number six arrives next season.
1. Shane Flanagan (Sharks)
No coach is under more pressure right now that the Sharks supremo. Reports of disagreements with CEO Lyall Gorman are just the peak of many issues that have Sharks fans throwing their hands up and shaking their heads.
Blake Ayshford, in a matter of days, has gone from being released to the Dragons, to being named in first grade, while the supremely popular Michael Gordon looks to have been forced out of the club.
Flanagan’s decision to stick with the obviously misfiring Barba at five-eighth, and recently Jeff Robson, over the promising Todd Murphy has created big waves on social media. Meanwhile Jacob Gagan, who has five tries in seven appearances, is wasting away on the wing for Newtown, after being looked over for Mitch Brown, and the seemingly unwanted Michael Gordon.
The Sharks have THE most exciting youngster in Valentine Holmes, who was carving up at fullback during his combination with Michael Gordon. He now looks resigned to spending the season on the wing as Flanagan looks to save face by sticking with Ben Barba.
Most fans have not forgotten his part in the scandal that has sent the Sharks backwards over the past three seasons, and the fact favourite, younger players, are being shifted to suit players perceived as over the hill, or even backrowers played out of position, have fans contacting officials at Remondis.
