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Masters and commanders
Series

Masters and commanders

Roy Masters interviews the NRL coaches and discovers what drives them and how they approach the modern game.

5 stories
From a grand final loss in 2020 through to four premierships in a row in 2024, Ivan Cleary has experienced the highs and lows.

Buddha in the box: Why Ivan Cleary is the Zen master

Having won the past four premierships in a row, the Panthers again began the season as title favourites. But a diabolical start has put the pressure on Ivan Cleary - not that you’d know by watching him during a game.

  • by Roy Masters
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Manly coach Anthony Seibold.
Masters and Commanders

Anthony Seibold knows that love is a battlefield with rugby league

Success with South Sydney, quitting in Brisbane and now dealing with the DCE fall-out. The Sea Eagles coach has experienced all the highs and lows the game has to offer.

  • by Roy Masters
In the game of the father … Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon
Masters and commanders

The one truth Craig Fitzgibbon’s father taught him about rugby league

His father was a famous player and coach, but the Sharks mentor has run his own race in the game.

  • by Roy Masters
Todd Payten speaking to media in 2020 as interim Warriors coach.
Masters and Commanders

Payten’s place: The winding path to success of straight-man Todd

As a premiership-winning player, Todd Payten played an uncomplicated game. And he leans on simplicity and honesty in his coaching career, too.

  • by Roy Masters
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan
Masters and Commanders

Eleven straight premierships is Shane Flanagan’s cross to bear

In the first of an occasional series, Roy Masters will go head-to-head with the NRL coaches. Today Shane Flanagan discusses the weight of expectations on being the coach of the Dragons and what he aims to achieve in 2025.

  • by Roy Masters

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/masters-and-commanders-20250317-p5lk4k.html