New Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris ready for ‘huge year ahead’
Fresh from being unveiled as Shane Flanagan’s replacement, new Cronulla coach John Morris has outlined his plans for a big first season in the hot seat.
NRL
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UNLOCKING the attacking prowess of the likes of Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan looms as new Cronulla coach John Morris’ first major challenge.
Morris was officially unveiled as Cronulla coach yesterday on a three year deal having warmed the chair in Shane Flanagan’s absence since last month. The former hooker who played 300 top grade games immediately identified a top four finish as a benchmark for a Cronulla side who fell one game short of a grand final last year.
To do so he needs to spark new recruit Johnson and the rest of the Cronulla spine which includes Moylan returning to the fullback position.
“I’ve got some key players who have come into the club who I need to get the best out of,” Morris said. “My challenge is working them into the style the Sharks play. That’s what I see as my key role.
“We have a system that’s pretty good. I don’t want to change for change sake. I like to coach footy into players not out of them. Copying other styles of other NRL teams is not going to do us any good.”
Flanagan was among the first to congratulate Morris with a text message on Thursday night. Morris will have to wait until Monday to address the playing group in person having given the squad some time off after running a camp in Kiama this week.
But he said nothing will change having already told the group of his intentions to step-up full-time into the role since being named interim coach in January.
“I don’t think I have to re-address it,” Morris said. “I could feel that we are in a good space. That’s why I was confident we were heading in the right direction. If I didn’t feel like we had the players behind me I wouldn’t have pushed ahead. That was my no.1 thing. I spoke to Gal (skipper Paul Gallen) early in the piece and said if I had 100 per cent support from the playing group I would have no dramas doing it.
“I do wonder how hard it would’ve been for someone else to come in. It’s hard when you set goals, standards, KPIs for the whole year. We’ve been doing that the last few weeks. To have some sort of change would’ve been a challenge.
“It does funny things to you in the coach’s box. You do tend to lose it at times. The pressure is going to be different. I like to stay focused on the job. You can get caught up venting and doing your block. I know I’ll probably be like that at times this year.”
Meanwhile, Cronulla chief executive Barry Russell refused to delve into speculation surrounding his future at the club.
“I’m the CEO now and I’ll be the CEO into the future,” Russell said.
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Originally published as New Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris ready for ‘huge year ahead’
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