Ahhh rebuild. That single word can trigger sports fans around the world into a meltdown, often sparking calls to sack the general manager, sack the coach, hell sack everyone. Rebuild is a dirty word!
But is a rebuild all that bad and is it something only poorly performing teams do?
Well, it turns out that the majority of coaches and clubs are constantly in some form of a rebuild, regardless if you're coming first or last. It's just called by a different name depending on your table position.
If you're coming first and decide to move on a bunch of players for the following season, it's a "refresh" or "player move-on". If you're last then it's a "squad clean out" or "removing dead wood".
For all intents and purposes, it's done for the same reason. To improve the performance of the side.
The Queensland Origin side from 2006-2018 debuted 42 players. The Maroons also turned-over more than 20 players during their dynasty who were part of series wins. Deeming players such as Dallas Johnson, Chris McQueen, Neville Costigan and David Shillington as surplus to requirements when they were all still walk on, top 13 players at their respective clubs.
The Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters are also prepared to shed players virtually every season. In recent years the Storm has released players such as Jordan McLean, Ben Hampton, Kurt Mann, Tohu Harris, Blake Green, Richie Kennar and Hymel Hunt.
It's this type of rebuild that goes under the radar as this is the club trying to stay ahead of the curve and it actually flies in the face much of what we're told about winning systems - that they're consistent in their squad selection.
But, really, successful clubs are consistent in the selection of key players. Melbourne have been the most consistent side in their spine selection and their backrow. 2019 was the first time in about a decade, since the salary cap scandal forced them to shed players, that they fielded a new-look lineup.
And this is where I've seen the Eels fall down. While we don't like to hear it, rebuilding is necessary if you want a winning team. In fact, Brad Arthur's already done it twice. Once in 2013/14 following Ricky Stuart and again following the 2016 season. Both of those rebuilds resulted in a bounce back in form.
Following a wooden spoon in 2013, the Eels finished the 2014 season with a 50% win ratio. In 2017, following the salary cap scandal and a reasonably successful season on the pitch (The Eels would've finished 8th if their points were docked), they finished in the top four for the first time in 12 years.
Now this brings me to the debacle of 2018. The Eels recruited just three NRL experienced players during that off-season. While the club released Semi Radradra and had three NRL players retire, plus the sacking of Kenny Edwards mid-season and the departure of Suaia Matagi coupled with the recovery of Clint Gutherson.
Parramatta went into the 2018 season with a severe lack of depth, having failed to rebuild the squad from 2017.
There was a distinct lack of squad turnover which manifested itself in a lack of competition for playing positions. Granted, the Eels did debut five players towards the end of the season, although some of those debuts were out of necessity due to the lack of squad depth.
I do have concerns regarding our 2019 squad. The club has recruited five players from outside the club, whilst elevating four juniors into the senior squad. However, as Phil has already mentioned, we have only one front line centre in Michael Jennings, while the release of Corey Norman means we have only one NRL-experienced half.
A rebuild isn't something to fear, it's actually something we should be doing at this point in time, with a look to purchasing NRL level players in key positions. In my opinion, the best way to consistently turn over players is to nail down at least five-six key players who will form the nucleus of your squad and then recruit players around them who are either up and coming juniors, or are experienced NRL first graders that you can get two-three years of quality football out of.
It's actually what we tried to do in 2016. Nathan Peats, Semi Radradra, Bevan French, Kieran Foran and Tepai Moeroa were going to be used to form the nucleus of the side over the following five years.
That hasn't worked out and now we're left with a squad desperate for more first grade experience and stability in the spine.
Comments
Apart from your first sentence, I agree with your sentiments, which are very well thought out, unlike many top of the head, unsubstantiated or investigated subjects. Keep up the good work. Unfortunately at my age, I probably won't be around to see the results in 5 or 10 years time
Rebuild from the inside, better staff, structures, coaching , facilities yes. It has been stated we are a "development club", fine i think that signals what we will see more of from this season on (heres hoping) lets start the rebuild with our own juniors and just cherry pick, if needed certain available "stars". Really hoping this is how the season and future plays out. We have the cattle, just need refining and time.
A full rebuild is what we need, instead of playing moneyball like we have the last 5 seasons.
Good piece Super. Must say with regard to the Storm that the central 5 or 6 players they build their team around is fundamental to their success. When those outside of the 5 or 6 stars getting big offers they tend to move them on rather than match the offers. This is where the Eels need to get to.
To reach this point means making objective decisions and move on from sentiment. This takes a lot of football IQ and football maturity
Not sure about rebuilding but there were players we had to get rid of. Anyone seen the latest Corey Norman video yet? He’s an idiot
The good teams do so much rebuild but do some remodeling, our problem is we have continued to rebuild on the same poor foundations and end up back where we started
Excuse my bluntness but I feel like we've been rebuilding since that time we last won the premiership in the 80's. I'm pretty sure the Egyptians built Pyramids and half a civilisation in less than 30 years. It's the weakest of words and a bloody excuse for another shit year. Tell me one team that uses that word as much as we do? How can we always be in a state of rebuilding? Just fuckin build something already!!!!
Also, BA does not deserve the chance to 'rebuild'. I like the bloke but he has had many chances. We were tipped to win the premiership last year! How do you fuck that up so miserably?! He has used all his lives and he need results now! If we lose our first handful of games he will be given the flick. A new coach will come-in and he too will be beating the 'rebuild' drum. Ahhhhh, vicious cycle continues! Gotta love supporting the mighty mighty Eels.
As you say Super, every team needs to "rebuild" from year to year. Even Parra of 1981-86 had substantial turnover of players to maintain a competitive edge. In that 1985 they probably lost some focus (players going off to England and missing the start of the season) and hence that was not a successful year for them.
For Parra now, the club needs to work out well in advance what positions they are lacking and build for these for the following year. This should come as no surprise but far too often it seems to ne the case.
Nostradamus foresaw this mess. BA is evil personified and will cause the end of the world before this is through. He must be extricated from this world before Armageddon is unleashed.
Rebuilding started in earnest when Max Donnelly was appointed and the old board was removed. We finally have an intelligent OIC in Bernie Gurr, who will shape our club for years to come. Reorganisation takes time and their is still a lot of old wood to be removed. A new constitution to be implemented. We all should be optimistic about the future as their is too much negativity around the club, With the new stadium, it should be easier to attract good players and also enhance the profitability of the leagues club. Their seems to be alot of pessimism about our playing staff, but they have the ability to perform better, as was evidenced, by some of our big wins last season.
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