Mick Potter on the phone that landed him a job with the Bulldogs
From 4 weeks ago.
Potter said he has had limited contact with the players so far and has left team management to assistants while he gets his feet under the desk.
“My contribution this week was minimal, but the assistant coaches and Gus did a great job,” he said. “They prepared very well. I’m happy with where they are and they will give the best account of themselves.
“My thoughts were with Trent and for Trent, because I’ve known him for a long time and he’s a great guy and a great coach. I didn’t want to disrespect him and feel like I was stepping on his toes in front of the players.
“I wanted to help players move forward. For Trent, it was a tough gig and it probably wore him down a bit. He still has a future as a coach.
“It’s about being honest and direct. As an interim coach I can do it and I feel very free to be honest. Honestly, as a coach, that’s your number one attribute.
“I’m going to temper my words again, but making sure players know what it takes to be a good NRL player.”
He didn’t rule out taking the job full-time, but insisted he was happy to work as a temp and see where he ended up in the long run.
“I took the job for what it is, and I’m happy to have it,” Potter said. “If I keep my mindset like this, it will be better for me.
“That’s not to say I wouldn’t, but right now I’m just doing this job. I feel so much freer knowing that I just have a certain time to do.
“I am interim coach until the end of the season. For now, I’m worried about what I’m doing right now and I’m going to keep a cool head. »
