Sacking makes zero sense

EVERY SATURDAY the team talks about the big issues in sport locally, nationally and internationally.

This week Glen, Jason and Sean tackle the sudden sacking of Anthony Griffin.

Jason Gibbs: It’s obvious the Panthers are absolutely shambolic – a club in crisis.

Just look at their record — 13 wins and seven losses from 20 games and running fifth on the ladder.

Something clearly needed to be done and I commend Phil Gould for making the right call and sacking Anthony Griffin.

It’s times like these I wish there was a sarcasm font – because if you haven’t guessed already I’m being very sarcastic.

I can’t help but think this is very personal – because this decision four weeks out from the finals is ridiculous.

Someone in the club clearly doesn’t like Griffin because from a performance perspective I can’t see what he’s done wrong.

In three seasons Griffin has taken the Panthers from wooden spoon contenders in 2015 to three consecutive top eight finishes.

He has 42 and 30 record from his 72 games in charge and this year they’re in with a shot at the title.

He’s turned the club around and leaves them in a far superior state compared to their position a few years ago.

And don’t even get me started on how arrogant I think the

Panthers after they approached Ivan Cleary to replace Griffin.

Gould or someone on the board is the problem at the Panthers not Griffin – he deserves better.

Sean Teuma: If you’re Phil Gould, you’d want to be damn sure this move results in a premiership or two over the next five years.

This whole situation has been handled in an embarrassing fashion, back to the denials of the Panthers looking to move Griffin on, and the subsequent media circus that has arisen.

I’m sure they will deny it, but it has to be a big distraction on the players, just weeks out from the finals, where they are a good chance of making the top four.

Let’s not forget they have been playing some fantastic football on their way to a 13-7 record.

Is the coach allowed to earn some praise for that, or is it only his fault when the team is losing?

Nobody will know beside the inner sanctum if it was the right move or not, and I guess time will tell, but the timing of this whole saga doesn’t paint the club’s management in a good light.

And if you believe the rumours, what coach would be

rushing at the gates to take over a club where they have limited control? Glen McCullough: I don’t

mind Gus Gould.

I respect his knowledge and background in all facets of rugby league.

Gould’s left-field commentary divides people but I enjoy it whether I agree with his opinion or not.

But he’s lost me this week. The “Hook” Griffin axing is bizarre even by the NRL’s dodgy standards.

First, we need to remind ourselves there are always two sides to every story.

That doesn’t mean to say you get the full or true story from either or both sides.

Surely Gould doesn’t expect people to swallow his claims Griffin is too “old school” and having “lost” the players and dressing room the Panthers have been left with no choice but to punt him.

Where’s the on-field evidence to back that up?

You couldn’t help but think the opposite might apply.

Let’s presume Griffin’s sacking is based on team performance alone.

At the end of the day, that’s the only thing footy fans give a bugger about, right?

And that being the case, I think Penrith supporters have been on pretty good terms with themselves this season, bar one or two stumbles experienced by every team.

Surely this is something more personal between the two men.

The fallout is grubby and further trashes the NRL’s facade.

It’s sad to see our great game of rugby league being overtaken by egos, decaying ethics, principals and credibility.

But, so what? This is the NRL.

Step right up and play. Absolutely nothing is off limits or surprises.