Official William Kennedy

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member T1
  • Start date Start date

Fullback 2025

  • Total voters
    16
  • Poll closed .
RivShark said:
Credit for Will for taking unders to stay, but a dally m player, he is not.

Hes 29 next year. Lets be real.

We need to normalise not using Will and Dally M in the same sentence for 2026.
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He just needs to play a whole season like he did start of this year, was in good form.

*Dally M point scoring Will
Capital_Shark said:
On the tools, on the pokies, on the cans, belting his Mrs… Who knows
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😅
 
slide rule said:
I actually think the Broncos are quite ****, apart from the Reece Walsh run and the mighty "luck" to bring them back from the dead a number of times through the finals.
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Believe it was said the Stroms didn't get any ball for about 10 minutes when the second half started, funnily enough if one side just has repeat sets going they're usually going to get a leg up and the other will be too worn out defending to really come back.

Hell even against us earlier in the year it took one player being pulled for a head injury and another suspended, with Atkinson coming off the bench through the middle before they managed a 'miracle' comeback.
 
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apezza said:
I dont think Barba could teach his speed and instincts.
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Need someone to, if we're not recruiting and making changes in the spine, get people outside to help the spine players with how they play as a spine and individually. Otherwise same results
 
Sharkfox said:
Need someone to, if we're not recruiting and making changes in the spine, get people outside to help the spine players with how they play as a spine and individually. Otherwise same results
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Our coaching staff make the tactical decisions (ie positional play in defence and telling him whether to support around the middle etc). If they wanted something different to what he was doing he would have either been doing it by now or dropped.

Will isnt going to get any more skilful or faster etc - no matter who is the coach
 
Sharkfox said:
Need someone to, if we're not recruiting and making changes in the spine, get people outside to help the spine players with how they play as a spine and individually. Otherwise same results
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We definitely need more help with our halves.
I get it’s hard for them to shine if our forwards are getting beat up but both Trindall & Hynes take the wrong option too often. It’s the same for their errors, EVERY player makes them, it just feels like our halves do it @ the worse time, re Storm prelim, Nicho drops the ball cold when we are potentially starting to put them under the pump, Trindall runs a Shepard attacking the line on tackle 2.

Dunno if they do it more often in the big games or if it’s because the big games are watched more intently?

I’d love a smart halves coach to do a heap of video review with them analysing their games, hitting the pause button time after time & asking them the question, ‘tell me what was going through your mind here’
The halves coach needs to know their psyche & then steer them to alternative options & present the benefits or logic behind it.

I don’t mean it to sound as harsh or personal as this but we are a dumb f’ing team.
 
Bundy Shark said:
We definitely need more help with our halves.
I get it’s hard for them to shine if our forwards are getting beat up but both Trindall & Hynes take the wrong option too often. It’s the same for their errors, EVERY player makes them, it just feels like our halves do it @ the worse time, re Storm prelim, Nicho drops the ball cold when we are potentially starting to put them under the pump, Trindall runs a Shepard attacking the line on tackle 2.

Dunno if they do it more often in the big games or if it’s because the big games are watched more intently?

I’d love a smart halves coach to do a heap of video review with them analysing their games, hitting the pause button time after time & asking them the question, ‘tell me what was going through your mind here’
The halves coach needs to know their psyche & then steer them to alternative options & present the benefits or logic behind it.

I don’t mean it to sound as harsh or personal as this but we are a dumb f’ing team.
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We definitely need some outside/new ways to help the halves. If we're sticking with them for the next 3 - 4 yrs there should be changes in how they play, instead of the same set up and plan hoping they get it together, which includes form and mindset. Also our attack in the 20m zone this year was crap, wasted alot of scoring opportunities.
 
bort said:
Hahaha ****ing hell bring in Ben Barba Jesus Christ
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ChatGPT is the most positive mother ****er and even it thinks it stinks:

What Ben Barba Brings / What He’s Good At

  1. Elite fullback/fullback‑adjacent skills
    • Barba has been one of the most dynamic attacking fullbacks in the modern era: great under the high ball, elusive footwork, an ability to read the game, break lines, support play, good speed, agility.
    • He won the Dally M Medal in 2012 (best player in the league) at fullback, which suggests a high level of understanding and execution of what a fullback needs to do in attack and in general involvement.
  2. Experience in different environments
    • He’s played at multiple clubs in the NRL, moved to England (St Helens) and had success there (Super League, Man of Steel etc.), so he has exposure to different styles, perhaps different coaching methods and expectations.
    • Coming back from adversity, dealing with off‑field pressures, and talking publicly about mistakes might make him more empathetic and able to guide younger players about what to do — and what not to do.
  3. High ceiling for what fullbacks can do
    • Barba’s attacking creativity, his vision and flair (when focussed) show what a fullback could be: more than just safe under the high ball, more than just defence; a playmaker, a threat on breaks, someone who can influence the game.
  4. Credibility
    • Because Barba has been at the top, he has inherent credibility. Players often respond well to people who’ve “been there, done that,” particularly in the same position.
​
Risks / Cons & Things to Watch Out For

  1. Off‑field issues and reputation
    • Barba’s career has been marred by various off‑field controversies: breaches of club codes of conduct; issues with substance use; domestic violence allegations; behavioural problems.
    • He also tested positive for cocaine after the Sharks’ 2016 premiership win and was released from the club.
  2. Stability / consistency
    • Barba’s form and behaviour over time have been inconsistent, both because of external (off‑field) issues and perhaps psychological pressure.
    • If a mentor is to guide someone regularly, you want someone with consistency and reliability. There is risk Barba himself may not be in a position (emotionally, professionally, personally) to deliver that consistently.
    • Also, potential for distraction: media attention, old controversies, could become more of a liability than an asset.
  3. Public perception / culture risk
    • Bringing someone with Barba’s background into a mentoring/coaching role might cause backlash. There are stakeholders (fans, sponsors, media) who may be uneasy about past behaviour.
    • Also, for younger players, the example set must be high standard not just on field but off field.
  4. Regulatory / legal risks
    • There may be sanctions or restrictions from past NRL or legal penalties. For example, whether Barba is able to be officially employed, admitted to official coaching roles, whether the NRL would permit it, whether there are integrity/fitness for role issues.
    • Also, if a mentor is to have access to players, training sessions etc, the club must ensure insurance, reputation, duty of care issues are covered.
  5. Potential mismatch in coaching skills
    • Being an excellent player doesn’t automatically make someone a good coach or mentor. It requires teaching skills, communication skills, patience, ability to analyse, plan, and provide consistent feedback.
    • There’s no strong public record of Barba doing those mentoring/coaching roles at a high level. It’s possible but unproven.
​
Weighing Up: Would I Employ Him (for Will Kennedy’s Development)?

If I were in charge of Cronulla Sharks, deciding whether to bring Barba in to mentor Will Kennedy, here is how I’d think:

  • Yes, I might consider it, but only under strict conditions — it's not a no‑brainer.
The upside is compelling: Barba’s skills, vision, past success, and firsthand knowledge could be hugely beneficial for a young fullback who wants to lift speed, awareness, attacking flair.

However, I’d only do it if Barba could satisfy certain criteria:

  1. Demonstrated personal rehabilitation and stability
    • I’d want to see sustained evidence that Barba has addressed his past issues (substance, behavioural, legal) — in terms of lifestyle, mental health, accountability.
  2. Defined role & boundaries
    • The mentoring role should be clearly scoped: maybe specific skills sessions (attacking awareness, reading defensive lines, positioning under kicks), rather than being given general coaching authority unless he has formal coaching credentials.
  3. Support structure & coaching accreditation
    • It would be helpful if Barba is given coaching training, or associating with experienced coaching staff, so that he can translate his playing intuition into coaching/mentoring.
  4. Contract and expectations
    • Include in contract expectations about behaviour, presence, professionalism, possibly off‑field support (counselling etc.).
  5. Monitoring and reporting
    • Regular reviews: on‑field contribution to Will’s development, off‑field behaviour, feedback from Will and coaches and whether it's helping.
 
Capital_Shark said:
ChatGPT is the most positive mother ****er and even it thinks it stinks:

What Ben Barba Brings / What He’s Good At

  1. Elite fullback/fullback‑adjacent skills
    • Barba has been one of the most dynamic attacking fullbacks in the modern era: great under the high ball, elusive footwork, an ability to read the game, break lines, support play, good speed, agility.
    • He won the Dally M Medal in 2012 (best player in the league) at fullback, which suggests a high level of understanding and execution of what a fullback needs to do in attack and in general involvement.
  2. Experience in different environments
    • He’s played at multiple clubs in the NRL, moved to England (St Helens) and had success there (Super League, Man of Steel etc.), so he has exposure to different styles, perhaps different coaching methods and expectations.
    • Coming back from adversity, dealing with off‑field pressures, and talking publicly about mistakes might make him more empathetic and able to guide younger players about what to do — and what not to do.
  3. High ceiling for what fullbacks can do
    • Barba’s attacking creativity, his vision and flair (when focussed) show what a fullback could be: more than just safe under the high ball, more than just defence; a playmaker, a threat on breaks, someone who can influence the game.
  4. Credibility
    • Because Barba has been at the top, he has inherent credibility. Players often respond well to people who’ve “been there, done that,” particularly in the same position.
​

Risks / Cons & Things to Watch Out For

  1. Off‑field issues and reputation
    • Barba’s career has been marred by various off‑field controversies: breaches of club codes of conduct; issues with substance use; domestic violence allegations; behavioural problems.
    • He also tested positive for cocaine after the Sharks’ 2016 premiership win and was released from the club.
  2. Stability / consistency
    • Barba’s form and behaviour over time have been inconsistent, both because of external (off‑field) issues and perhaps psychological pressure.
    • If a mentor is to guide someone regularly, you want someone with consistency and reliability. There is risk Barba himself may not be in a position (emotionally, professionally, personally) to deliver that consistently.
    • Also, potential for distraction: media attention, old controversies, could become more of a liability than an asset.
  3. Public perception / culture risk
    • Bringing someone with Barba’s background into a mentoring/coaching role might cause backlash. There are stakeholders (fans, sponsors, media) who may be uneasy about past behaviour.
    • Also, for younger players, the example set must be high standard not just on field but off field.
  4. Regulatory / legal risks
    • There may be sanctions or restrictions from past NRL or legal penalties. For example, whether Barba is able to be officially employed, admitted to official coaching roles, whether the NRL would permit it, whether there are integrity/fitness for role issues.
    • Also, if a mentor is to have access to players, training sessions etc, the club must ensure insurance, reputation, duty of care issues are covered.
  5. Potential mismatch in coaching skills
    • Being an excellent player doesn’t automatically make someone a good coach or mentor. It requires teaching skills, communication skills, patience, ability to analyse, plan, and provide consistent feedback.
    • There’s no strong public record of Barba doing those mentoring/coaching roles at a high level. It’s possible but unproven.
​

Weighing Up: Would I Employ Him (for Will Kennedy’s Development)?

If I were in charge of Cronulla Sharks, deciding whether to bring Barba in to mentor Will Kennedy, here is how I’d think:

  • Yes, I might consider it, but only under strict conditions — it's not a no‑brainer.
The upside is compelling: Barba’s skills, vision, past success, and firsthand knowledge could be hugely beneficial for a young fullback who wants to lift speed, awareness, attacking flair.

However, I’d only do it if Barba could satisfy certain criteria:

  1. Demonstrated personal rehabilitation and stability
    • I’d want to see sustained evidence that Barba has addressed his past issues (substance, behavioural, legal) — in terms of lifestyle, mental health, accountability.
  2. Defined role & boundaries
    • The mentoring role should be clearly scoped: maybe specific skills sessions (attacking awareness, reading defensive lines, positioning under kicks), rather than being given general coaching authority unless he has formal coaching credentials.
  3. Support structure & coaching accreditation
    • It would be helpful if Barba is given coaching training, or associating with experienced coaching staff, so that he can translate his playing intuition into coaching/mentoring.
  4. Contract and expectations
    • Include in contract expectations about behaviour, presence, professionalism, possibly off‑field support (counselling etc.).
  5. Monitoring and reporting
    • Regular reviews: on‑field contribution to Will’s development, off‑field behaviour, feedback from Will and coaches and whether it's helping.
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For once bortGPT was more succinct

bort said:
Hahaha ****ing hell bring in Ben Barba Jesus Christ
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Signing a 1 year deal in October is essentially nothing under the current system.

If any other club is interested in him, they’ve got less than month to continue talking to him.
 
Mr Ryan said:
Signing a 1 year deal in October is essentially nothing under the current system.

If any other club is interested in him, they’ve got less than month to continue talking to him.
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They just had since last November to talk to him, no one wants him.
 
HaroldBishop said:
They just had since last November to talk to him, no one wants him.
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People used to say nobody else wanted Chad too. Played multiple more years, across three more clubs.

Clearly nobody else prioritised Kennedy but we needed him more than anyone and we got him. It doesn’t mean nobody else would have given him something.

That’s definitely not arguing we beat out half a dozen half million plus offers or anything. Just pointing out nobody else would want him has been said before and proven wrong before.

We were almost certainly his only starting opportunity.
 
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