This is a club that owns the league like no other. This is the most successful side in the league over the time of the graph below and before. How could another team match that sea of red? So much so that coming third is almost an anticlimax. A foundation Rugby league club in 1895, early success largely eluded it but from the mid 1950's it got into gear.
Throughout the 21st century, it hasn't had a duff season. 6th in 2017 must have seemed like a disaster to fans. For all the success, the number of coaches the club has had is a surprise, Ian Millward was the longest serving. Overall the league titles, grand final appearances and cup finals are too numerous to itemise here, suffice to say they were plentiful. Kristian Woolf and Paul Wellens have maintained the high standard one could expect.
On the subject of current coach Wellens, no one could be more passionate about the club than he is but was lacked experience when he took the helm. However, winning the World Club Challenge over a crack Penrith (Australia) side gave the 2023 season a kickstart. Some indifferent form followed but they soon hit their straps and went close to winning the league title. As you would expect.
Now having completed their second year of Paul Wellens as coach, the direction isn't good. Is he the issue or are there other issues affecting their usually high standard of success? Probably both but either way he was fortunate to get another year at the helm. Another year below expectations will definitely be one too many.
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