Quote: Andy Gilder "We seem to have something of an obsession in this country with wanting our coaches to be people who played the game at the highest level.
Trent Robinson played four games in the NRL. Wayne Bennett played 7 times for Queensland in the pre State of Origin days, but never played in the much stronger NSW competition of that period. Brian Smith played 31 games for St George & Souths. There is no requirement to have been a top player in order to be a top coach, something the NFL shows over and over again.
Does it come down to pathways again? Are talented coaches with a depth of knowledge and understanding of the game being given the opportunity to test themselves in the professional ranks, or is having a "name" and a connection to the club more important? How do the likes of say Chris Plume get to be in an influential position at a top SL club, and what can we do to give more coaches within the community game an opportunity to cut their teeth ahead of ex-players?'"
not saying it is the case with Cunningham but think some great players are not always able to relate and improve lesser players than they were because they can't see/ understand the player's weaknesses or limitations. Unlike more workmanlike players.
