Another Prop Forward Required....

Quote: The Clan "The elements which were below standard are essential not only to an individual but also to the team dynamic.
There is simply no way for them to be tolerated as it would not only fatally flaw the player but would also undermine the whole team ethic not to mention diminishing the Coach in the eyes of everyone.

We've kept the faith with Annakin, he's on contract.
In some aspects the size of the contract isn't what’s relative now it's whether or not you could offer any player a place in the 1st team squad given that the player isn't conforming to the standards set and required by the Head Coach. If a player is not responding to the coaching team’s advice and failing to recognise the need for changes then it's time for the club to cut its losses.

There's a much higher degree of professionalism at the club than ever before, there's much more expected of the players in terms of their own self management. Some of the players who've been at the club under different coaching regimes have adapted to the higher standards faster than others, Wildie being one of them.

There's also a plate spinning act going on with the player budget which means we can't carry players who won't get with the program, their wages would be better redirected to someone else. Chris Annakins next contract is likely to be more financially significant than any of his previous ones therefore those spinning the plates needed to see the required improvements before making a decision, Chris Annakin is responsible for delaying the required changes.

Nobody's been waiting for the perfectly formed player just a genuine display of commitment at the desired level indicating that the raw materials can be moulded into something special without compromising the standards set by the club and its coaching staff.

Chris Annakin has really stepped up in all aspects on and off the field, at and away from the club but the changes are relatively recent. I'm delighted to see him playing in the 1st team and looking so good, he's beginning to realise the potential seen in him by so many people over the years. Other clubs will take notice, that’s the nature of the industry. I'm not going to criticise the club for thus far holding back on signing him up on a longer term contract. This season was make or break for Annakin and he looks like he'll make it but I'll say again, the person responsible for delaying his progress is Chris himself.

No one wants to see a Wakefield Trinity team full of local players who've come through our system more than me but we can't compromise the standards to make it happen otherwise we're destined to live our lives as a second tier feeder team.'"

Most of that rings true in all honesty. My only other question would be over whether we have, as a club, managed the junior players as well as we could have and thereby contributed to the situation.

I know that there are some who say we mis-handled the whole of the 18's championship side - and that's not necessarily levelled at the current regime, although it still seems as if we stick with the same players come what may sometimes, hence why have we not given Cowling a run when Fox's form has dropped off a bit? (yes I know it's not like for like, but he could be fitted in).

Tough love is a difficult thing to get right - I really hope the club have got the gamble right?!