He inherited the side that became successful in 2012.The side didnt improve the more Des had to do with team make up. It went the other way
Point was Des inherited a better side than Pay did by miles, so any success Pay has will carry more merit than anything Des did. Even at Manly in 2019, Des has inherited a good side. One of the best spines in the NRL (origin half, origin fb). Until proven otherwise, i will believe Des is over-rated and a 1 team specialist (Manly). The Manly side that he coached to GFs should have been up there, they were a great side. Not saying Des is a shithouse coach, but i think he is more average than some other ppl do though. And he should not be allowed as much say in the club as he had, he is a shit businessman and recruiter.