1
1910
International Rep
- Apr 14, 2013
- 15,827
- 20,024
Brent Read says there's been a rift between Ikin and Walters, with Ben feeling frozen out by Kevvie. Walters reports to Donuts, not Ikin. Unlike last season when Ikin sat near the playing bench during games, this season he was moved away often watching matches alone. Walters spoke about important football matters with his brother, Steve, rather than Ben, who was relegated to looking after the women’s team and various admin tasks. Ikin was not involved in extending Walters' contract.
Kevvie:
“Ben is new to the club, he came in at the back end of last year and we are working well together. I need to be better myself and Ben needs to be better. I don’t have a major issue with him. I’m very clear on what needs to happen and I’m very clear on wanting to take the club forward. The NRL head coach is the hub of a football department. In my 20 years of working at successful football clubs like the Broncos, Storm and even Canberra when I won a premiership there, the coach, CEO and chairman carry the load of the club.”“I included Ikin this year. I am happy to include him more if he wants that. You know what I’m like, I’m all for embracing ideas and listening on how people want to go about things. If there is a better way of doing it, I’m happy to listen. I don’t think I have all the answers. Nobody has all the answers. Even the great Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett don’t know it all, so Ben Ikin has a very important role in our football club moving forward.”
Donuts:
“The guys are fine. Having differing opinions and challenging each other’s views, including mine, across a long season isn’t a bad thing. Actually, I’d say that’s one of the things we need to do more as a club right now if we’re to take the next step. Everyone in the building is acutely aware of the work that’s still ahead of us. We’re all aligned to growing our elite program and we all want what’s best for the club. As much as it hurt to miss the finals, I hope it proves to be the kick up the pants we needed. Our reviews have been honest, we’re not at the level we need to be just yet, but we have made progress – there’s been a lot of good things happening, it’s not all doom and gloom. We are clear on what needs to be done and we are all committed to doing the work to get there.”
Sitting together today chatting away and watching ISC- hell of a hateful feud.