Mick laps up Fijian passion
DESPITE resurrecting his reputation coaching Fiji into a World Cup semi- final, Mick Potter says he would only put his hand up to have another crack as an NRL head coach “if it was at the right club”.
Ahead of tomorrow night’s showdown against Australia, Potter has showed the world what he is capable of when everyone around him is pushing in the same direction.
It’s a far cry from his time coaching Wests Tigers where he had to put up with constant back- stabbing and agendadriven conflict that ultimately left him struggling to find a job following a successful career coaching in the English Super League.
Hardly anyone gave Fiji a hope of upsetting New Zealand before they produced one of the great victories in international rugby league history, knocking out the Kiwis with a gritty and somewhat un- Fijian like try- less 4- 2 result.
Potter says he has been inspired by the Fijians’ passion for each other and their native land and says the pre- match hymn that has captured everyone’s imagination has given players added motivation.
“It is noble and it makes you feel part of something that is special,” Potter said.
Would he ever chase another NRL head coaching job?
“I am comfortable working with Brownie at Newcastle and I am enjoying my time there,” he said. “If something else came up that was the right job, I would consider it. But I am not chasing anything.”