For the seasons to come

AIt was. Kaps just started crying and said: “This is it, boys. I’m done.” Even talking about it now, I get goosebumps just because I looked around the group and you could see the tears in their eyes and I could feel how much this bloke has meant to the group. Everyone thanked him. Moving forward, we need to take that same sort of aggression out on to the field. The travel from Tully with work and his family was always going to take its toll on him. He’s in his early 30s and came from the Blackhawks, where he didn’t get much of an opportunity. What he’s brought on the field we’re going to massively miss. He strikes fear in teams. Talking to Joe Blow in the stands after the game, the first question I normally get asked is: “Who’s No.15 with the tattoos?” It’s a massive hole that we need to fill. His commitment to training is fantastic. I

Q AI haven’t spoken to Ando since Mad Monday. He’s got a wedding to organise and a young family, so he’s enjoying his time away. With Ryan, everyone knows that he’s dislocated his shoulder twice this year. He’s seeing a surgeon this week. Hopefully over the next few weeks we’ll speak to those guys. The vibe I’m getting is that the majority of the boys will come back, which is a good sign. Those two guys, along with (Jack) Campagnolo and Jordan Biondi-Odo are two guys I’d like to get signed pretty soon. (Kangaroos’ playmaker) Jared Allen also has an opportunity to grow next season too. Younger guys, you have to make sure you manage the right way. It’s completely different to the older school footballer. But, that said, if you give them confidence they repay you in spades.

AHe was good for the playing group and delivered messages that, as a coach, you find hard to give to players. The group grew confident around Todd (above). At first, they were in awe. When they got to know him, they understood what he was about. The experience he gave us on the field helped us improve and we just need to make sure we’re about setting those standards every week.