Hugh McGahan: Don't be too quick to dump the coach

Coaches struggle to follow Wayne Bennett. Photo / Getty Images

Though patience is rare in our society, it can pay off when it comes to retaining coaches.

The example of Sir Alex Ferguson, who struggled dismally in his initial years at Manchester United, is often referenced, but in league circles what about Des Hasler?

Results did not go to plan in his early years at Brookvale and during 2004 there was talk of him being axed.

Since then, of course, he has gone on to carve out one of the best coaching records in the game and has quickly made his mark at the Bulldogs.

Generally, NRL teams should give coaches two years to prove themselves.

It takes time to impose their style and structure on a team, as well as the impact of their recruitment decisions.

Steve Kearney is under tremendous pressure at the Eels and the signs are not looking good - the team has gone backwards since he started there. But if positive results begin to flow in the second half of the year, including some back-to-back wins, perhaps he deserves another shot in 2013.

Look at Wayne Bennett. He was fortunate to inherit an experienced, capable squad at the Dragons and guided them to their holy grail.

The Knights have been a different story and it may not be until 2014 that we see them competing for top eight (and ideally top four) positions which is the expectation at the Newcastle club.

When Bennett left the Brisbane Broncos after years of success, he was replaced by Ivan Henjack, who had been an assistant to Bennett for a number of years. Henjack failed to deliver what the team needed to continue on its winning way and he was sacked in his second year.

The reins were handed to Anthony Griffen and the fortunes have returned under his leadership.

Is it his ability or his clone-like mannerisms of Bennett?

The St George-Illawarra Dragons may be suffering the same Bennett withdrawal symptoms.

New coach Steve Price could be trying to sober up his team from the potency of Bennett's mixture - a situation similar to the one which Henjack inherited.

Kearney also has an association with Bennett's magic through the Kiwis, a possible reason the team secured the Rugby League World Cup.

If Bennett is so influential, then something has seriously gone wrong with the Knights in 2012, or the club is devoid of the quality players needed to be successful.

How long will owner Nathan Tinkler wait for success?

The Canberra Raiders won't wait too long, as David Furner is feeling the heat again.

Is Ivan Cleary safe at Penrith in his first year? Success was forecast on his arrival.

Will Brian McLennan, after trumpeting confidence in his Warriors squad, win the 2012 NRL Premiership and if not, will he too be under pressure?

Is any coach in any sport safe?