Following yesterday’s 74-0 defeat to Newcastle Thunder, we feel it is important to address our supporters directly.
Firstly, while Newcastle are a full-time professional side and undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in the competition, there can be absolutely no excuses for the scale of yesterday’s defeat. The performance and result were simply not acceptable. It was a diabolical outcome, and we fully understand the disappointment, frustration and anger felt by everyone connected with the club.
This afternoon we met with our Head Coach to discuss the result in detail. During that meeting we made it clear how disappointed we are and expressed our serious concerns regarding both the performance and the scoreline. Everyone at the club recognises that what happened yesterday falls well below the standards we expect to set for ourselves. In the discussions with Hardo this afternoon, we had an honest and frank conversation. He set out his understanding of the reasons for yesterday’s result, which was fair and considered. He gave us a remedial plan on how he and his coaching staff are addressing these issues. We left the meeting positive that Hardo is focused on fixing the errors we saw yesterday, and his plan is realistic and well thought out.
One such area that Hardo is working on is to strengthen the squad and recruit players to fill key gaps. In particular, he identified that we have struggled physically against teams with larger packs, and his recruitment efforts are focused on addressing those areas as a priority.
The next two league fixtures will now be crucial. They will play a significant role not only in determining our league position for the remainder of the season, but also in rebuilding morale within the squad and restoring trust and confidence among our supporters. We expect to see a positive response.
It is important to remember that this season has always been about creating stability and building sustainable foundations for the future of the club. While many clubs throughout the sport have faced significant financial difficulties or ceased trading altogether, we have deliberately taken a long-term approach. Investments into the Wellness Centre, our major pop concert event, and the development of a 3G pitch are all part of a wider strategy to create sustainable revenue streams that are not dependent solely on a limited number of home fixtures each year or the continuing decline in Sky Sports funding.
Those projects are designed to secure the future of the club for years to come, and we remain fully committed to that vision.
However, that does not lessen our disappointment. We believe we assembled a squad capable of being competitive and challenging within this league. That belief remains, which is exactly why yesterday’s result is so difficult to accept. We know we are capable of better, and we expect better.
To our supporters, thank you for your continued backing. You deserve much more than what was delivered yesterday. We share your disappointment, and everyone at the club is determined to respond positively in the weeks ahead.
Ryan O’Neill & Kaue Garcia
