Players will do what they are told, but will only go through the motions out of obligation as an employee.
Confirming a longer-term coach is the only way everyone knows where they are going and, if it is McFadden, he can build properly with everyone on board.
He seems to have the support of the players, not because they didn't like Matt Elliot, but because they believe he can add more to the fabric of the club.
It's significant McFadden won the position of Stephen Kearney's assistant with the Kiwis on the back of player feedback to the NZRL. It shows the credentials he possesses - and more than the public are aware of.
The players have their part to play with any resurrection of this club, given they have contributed to its rabble status. The advances in equipment, training techniques, monitoring and statistical devices and advanced medical treatments have replaced some old values of training yourself.
The players need to act with integrity, to do what they know is right even when no one is looking. Don't take shortcuts, do the work required and do it with an intensity required to improve.
For too long the new-age way of training and preparing for the season or individual games has taken precedence over old-fashioned hard work. They need to heed the old cliche, 'love what you do, even if you weren't going to get paid'.
Previous generations played in a professional way but had full-time jobs to supplement what today's athletes earn and take for granted. Take a year off, work for a living, then train for weekend footie and you might appreciate your privileged position.
Fans do it day after day, year after year. Give a thought to them and not just a token one. Give them a motive to support you and this club.
