A question that has never really been answered with conviction again raised its head at the weekend when the Titans thrashed the Warriors 66-6.
Is there more value in mental preparation or is it purely physical?
Coaching, in my opinion, is an art and not a science. This is something I have always believed.
I’ve been very impressed with the class and style Warriors coach Andrew Webster has delivered at the Auckland-based NRL team since he took over the coaching reins. And I certainly know what Titans coach Des Hasler is capable of.
Back in the day, I coached him for a few years at Manly and was the CEO of Manly in 2010/11 while Des was coaching there.
I have no doubt Hasler’s experience helped deliver the edge that enabled his Titans team to absolutely annihilate the Warriors last Saturday.
I just had that feeling, watching the two teams in the opening moments of the game, that an upset could be brewing.
I could feel the energy radiating from his team and I just know Des would have put massive energy and guile into that result.
There is probably very little difference in the fitness of most teams nowadays.
However, one difference looked obvious on Saturday. The Warriors did not look as mentally fit or ready as the Titans were.
Webster will learn from this, and I’m sure will realise where they were lacking.
Yes: his stats people will highlight the terrible defensive display his team produced, but that poor defence is also an attitude factor which allowed the avalanche of points to tumble down on them.
In fact, the scoreline probably flattered the Warriors. It could have been worse!
And to answer the question I posed earlier: preparation must be a balance of the mental and physical needs – always. And these change week to week.
That’s why coaching at NRL level is such a demanding profession.
