100%
There are no old heads setting the standard. Short cuts and easy options are translating onto the field on game day. Broncos used to be all about training as you would play. Run hard and tackle hard, even on the training field. That was Wayne’s way.
Picture Webcke whacking Parker every time he got the ball, and Parker trying to do the same. Some good stories of Carroll putting Costigan in his place as well! Lessons learnt. Earn your spot, earn respect and earn the right to wear the jersey.
Now we don’t have that. No hard lessons being taught on the training ground, only on game day. No leaders, no lessons....
Glenn was deadset gone to the Titans until that went pear shaped for whatever reason. We low balled him initially which drove him to the Titans, and then he came back with no other deal on the table, and was handed the captaincy basically as last man standing. That’s a head scratcher. Lodge was the man, but the club wilted under public pressure.
Lexie is a great club man, and well liked. Problem is, he likes being liked. Leaders don’t need to be liked, they lead by example even if it rubs a few the wrong way. Leaders need to have the tough conversation and risk having a few noses out of joint.
We haven’t had a true leader in this regard for a long long time. Lockyer was the last.