D'Arcy Waldegrave: I want what the Melbourne Storm are having - The All Sport Breakfast

I want what you’re having.

The Melbourne Storm that is. Penrith Panthers too. Regardless of the result in next week's NRL final, which in all likelihood will be a barnburner versus Penrith, we've been shown that the idea of a rebuilding phase in high end professional sport is a tired and broken concept.

The best teams in the world don’t spend a couple of seasons rebuilding. They do it on the run. They make difficult selection calls, they understand why moving people on before their talent drops off a cliff, maybe brutal, but in the wider and more important picture is essential.

No hanging onto players out of sentiment. Knowing how to handle talent transition. Repaying long-time hardworking juniors when they have served their apprenticeship, not waiting until the elder statesmen is dribbling into a cup.

This starts at the top.

Consistency at a boardroom level with coaching appointments. Almost the antithesis of playing staff, coaches and their philosophies shouldn’t be discarded on a whim, their positions need longevity and ultimate trust.  Their ability to identify talent and work it into the team from a junior level needs time to breathe. Faith in their process from the head office needs solidity.

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