Interview with new Force CEO

[jargan83]

In the super rugby liftout there is an interview with the new CEO Greg Harris. (interview done by Dave Hughes)

I just loved the response to the question about a possible national competition.

[GIGS20]

is that today's paper?

[jargan83]

It is indeed

[RuckNMaul]

yeah i saw that, you can take the man out of sydney, but you cant take sydney out of the man. I was dissapointed to read that but apart from that and what i read as his credentials he is the man for the job.

[Swee_82]

Damn, I've already walked past the newsagent downstairs twice this morning on coffee runs and not bothered buying the paper. Lunchtime I will have to I think. Given I obviously haven't read a word of it yet, what do we make of the new CEO?

[beige]

You would have expected that comment about a national competition from him. However, if he's looking after WA's interests (and he seems serious about doing that), then I won't complain too much...

[Swee_82]

Just bought the paper- there's a rectangular stadium shout-out in there too:

To be viable in the long period the need to play in a rectangular stadium. The spectators need to be closer than this

Swee says: TOO BLOODY RIGHT!

[.X.]

Feel free to post a link to it anytime soon, please

[Stone Cold]

yeah...who actually reads papers anymore?

[Swee_82]

Would do.. but The West being the champion publication that it is, doesn't have this stuff online. If I get bored I'll type it up.

[jargan83]

Im at work on the mobile

[Swee_82]

Yep.. I got bored...here 'tis


Greg Harris replaces Peter O'Meara as Western Force chief executive next week. He was at Subiaco Oval on Friday to watch the Force beat the Bulls and took the time to answer 20 questions from Dave Hughes.

What do you regard as your single biggest challenge when you start?
Retaining and improving the roster.

Can the Force be viable at an oval?Not in the long term.To be viable over a long period the Force will need to play in a rectnagular stadium, The spectators need to be closer than this.

When should Australian Rugby do it's contracting?Not in mid-season. They need to set aside a specific period before the start of the season. It is important for supporters to be able to be identify with key players from start to finish, without any wondering.

What's the latest on retaining Matt Giteau?
I haven't had any discussions with him but it will be top of my list when I move to Perth. I'm here this weekend to get an overview of the organisation.

Any truth to the rumour you captained WAFC chief Wayne Bradshaw in Sydney grade footy?
Yes, I was captain/coach when he played for East Sydney. He was a rover who did his knee two weeks before the final, so he missed out on the premiership.

The hardest decision you took when chairman of selectors with the Sydney Swans?
Persuading Tony Lockett in 1996 not to come to Subiaco to play Fremantle. He wanted ot play every game; we had a plan to rest him for certain fixtures.

The best rugby player you dumped on his rear?
All Black winger Bryan Williams. I was playing for Sydney against Auckland at Eden Park in 1975.

Anything significant you want to change when you start?
Too early to tell

What's the general attitude in Sydney towards the Force?
There's been some criticism and bad publicity abotu recent incidents but most people are envious of the progress the Force have made and the style they play.

Describe yourself as a dancer.
More of a slow waltzer than a boot scooter.

Coming from Sydney Uni, how would you like to see a national rugby competition structured?
The ARU must makde hte hard decision and encourage tribalism to guarantee big crowds. The way to do that is to playheeh national comp over a full season and offer four franchises to the best four clubs in Sydney. The reality is that it won't be sustainable unless they empower the Sydney clubs in the representative area.

Why did you apply for this job?I had an approach from a rugby league club but my preference was rugby union. I was very excited about the progress made over here.

Something people would be shocked to know about you?
Ah... in my early days as a player, I didn't have the discipline I preach these days.

The fastest you've ever driven?
I can't tell you that. I was too scared to look at the speedo. I was a passenger in and eight-cylinder commadore driven by swimmer Chris Fydler.

You allowed a day with anyone in history. Who?
Captain Cook. He found a pretty good place here.

The song that makes you sing aloud behind the wheel?
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison.

You get to introduce one rugby rule to the book. What?
I'd clear up the breakdown even more. It's hard for players to interpret and impossible for spectators and viewers.

To one who's still on outsider, what's the Force's single biggest asset?
The best coach in the competition.

Can rugby grow without Super 14 on free-to-air TV?
Not being on free-to-air TV is an impediment, but pay TV underwrites the professional game.

Should Super 14 clubs be privatised?
My preference is not to go that way.

[.X.]

Thanks Swee

[MI5_Dog]

What's the general attitude in Sydney towards the Force?
There's been some criticism and bad publicity about recent incidents but most people are envious of the progress the Force have made and the style they play.

Envy thy name is Sydney

Coming from Sydney Uni, how would you like to see a national rugby competition structured?
The ARU must made the hard decision and encourage tribalism to guarantee big crowds. The way to do that is to play thr national comp over a full season and offer four franchises to the best four clubs in Sydney. The reality is that it won't be sustainable unless they empower the Sydney clubs in the representative area.

Tosser!

[GIGS20]

Coming from Sydney Uni, how would you like to see a national rugby competition structured?The ARU must makde hte hard decision and encourage tribalism to guarantee big crowds. The way to do that is to playheeh national comp over a full season and offer four franchises to the best four clubs in Sydney. The reality is that it won't be sustainable unless they empower the Sydney clubs in the representative area.

I guess that means he thinks Sydney Uni will be one of the top 4 Sydney clubs, and stuff the rest of them, the top 4 are the only ones who need recognition! On what planet does pandering to 4 out of (is it) 12 clubs encourage tribalism from anybody who isn't already a member of those 4 clubs?

I mean seriously, do you expect a Warringah Rat to turn up in Uni colours and cheer for Uni vs the Spirit? Get off the weed, they're more likely to cheer for Spirit in an attempt to stick it up the silver spooners!