Rugby League Coaching Manuals

.........Cleary speaks of coaches like Bennett with great admiration, but at the same time is aware of the responsibility he has as coach. "All the coaches that I've mentioned have picked some good stuff [to use in their training]. You also pick up some information and you think, maybe that wouldn't work, but I think, you've got to be yourself."

As a former player, Cleary has an advantage in that he is well versed in the workings of a team environment, and the diverse characters and cultures that shape a side.

When it comes to Man Management, he understands the dynamic, but like other coaches, through no direct fault of his own, he doesn't have the time to give it that he
wishes too.

With an intense competition like the National Rugby League, it's hard to give each individual the attention they may need when there are so many other aspects of training to be considered.

However, as such an important part of identifying a team identity and club culture, Man Management cannot be ignored. At any level, a good relationship between a coach and a player is necessary to form a partnership that will transfer into the team and on to the field.

"Every day is a new experience. It's hard to learn a lot about one person in a short space of time when you've got a whole lot of people there."

Cleary explains, "It's a continual process learning about each guy. Staff, players - it's a learning curve."

Stemming from this is club culture. Obviously, each club will have characteristics that will determine the way they interact with each other, the social side of the club and the way they play.

For the Warriors, with players from so many ethnicities, this is very important.

"We try to create our own culture where it doesn't matter. No matter where you're from, your background or ethnic group, anyone can fit into it, that's what we've tried to do.........