Mal Meninga: Too easy to blame coach when the players fail to produce

AS has become the norm in recent times, when a team is not performing well then it must be the coach’s fault, writes MAL MENINGA.

Titans coach Neil Henry.

GOLD Coast Titans players should put up or shut up.

The speculation that engulfed the club in the aftermath of last weekend’s horrible loss to the Broncos has been almost as embarrassing for the players as what they produced on the field in their past two games.

The Titans had a lot to play for over those rounds.

Against the Tigers, there was the chance to win and keep their finals hopes alive.

Last weekend they had the chance to put one on the chin of “big brother” and wreak a bit of havoc on Brisbane’s hope for the top four.

On both occasions, they produced less than nothing. They imploded.

Titans coach Neil Henry.

As has become the norm in recent times, when a team is not performing well then it must be the coach’s fault.

I know Neil Henry well. He is a good coach.

But even if he was a poor coach, I find it difficult to believe he would have suggested kicking the ball over the deadball line on the first tackle — with the tryline open — as a solid game tactic.

Yet this is just one example of poor play from a Gold Coast player that Henry is being blamed for.

STILL PLENTY TO PLAY FOR

FOUR weeks ago, when the Titans were in touch with the eight, no one had a problem with Neil’s coaching.

As usual, it is easy for the players to lay the blame for their lack of effort at the feet of someone else, rather than looking inside themselves, putting up their hands and admitting they just weren’t good enough.

On Saturday the Titans play the Dragons. The game could go one of two ways.

The Titans can take ownership of their own performances, show accountability and personal pride and play to their ability to repay the faith of their fans and everyone at that club.

Or they can turn up and disgrace themselves again because it’s easier than trying.

There is still so much for the Gold Coast to play for, not the least of which is the World Cup at the end of the year.

As Australian coach, I am looking for players who are mentally tough and accountable for their performances, not underperformers looking for someone to blame.

Titans players look on after a Broncos try last week.

SHARKS WILL TEST HUNT

BEN Hunt scored three tries against the Titans last weekend coming off the bench and playing out of position at hooker, but I would argue the jury is still out about whether his move to dummy-half will be a success for Brisbane in the finals.

It sounds like a tough call but I don’t think the Gold Coast provided anywhere near the type of scrutiny or intensity the Broncos can expect to face in the semis.

Friday night’s clash against Cronulla, on the other hand, is a different story.

Hunt would have taken a lot of confidence out of the game but the real test will be against a Sharks team awake to his abilities.

James Maloney is due back for the Sharks. Picture: Brett Costello

REASONS TO LIFT GAME

CRONULLA were very disappointing last weekend against the Raiders, but I think they will be back to their best this weekend should James Maloney return to steer them around.

Maloney gets the best out of the Sharks and I expect their intensity will lift with him there.

There is also the milestone of Paul Gallen’s 300th game, which will inspire the defending premiers.

They will look to make the occasion special for their captain, who I am sure would love nothing better than beating the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium to mark the occasion.

Originally published as Mal Meninga: Too easy to blame coach when the players fail to produce