John Monie /

Premiership-Winning Coach 1986

TAKING over a successful team from a man like Jack Gibson is no easy task.

Three premierships in three years is a hard act to follow, especially for someone who had yet to coach first grade like myself. 

But I knew I could do the job and was very grateful for the opportunity when it came my way for the 1984 season.

Parramatta had a bunch of great players, but that didn’t mean I was just along for the ride and could put my feet up.

In many respects I needed to coach them differently to other players.

One thing I became aware of was just how unselfish our players were – it was incredible.

They played a lot for each other and would rather see someone else have success than themselves, because they were such good mates.  

Part of my job as coach was to tell them that sometimes you have to be a little bit selfish.

As an individual, Brett Kenny could do things that other players in the competition would dream about.

So, there was no way I wanted him to be a great ‘team player’, even though he could do that very effectively as well.

I just wanted him to be a great player and if he did that the team would benefit. 
We had so many champions.

So many great leaders. Peter Sterling was like a coach on the field for me, the way he controlled the game.

The forwards always aimed up, led superbly by Ray Price. I also need to acknowledge our supporters.

They were a big factor in us having as much success as we did.

Which brings me to 1986 and our grand final victory over arch-rivals the Bulldogs.

You won’t see a tougher game anywhere. It was tight from start to finish.

When the siren sounded at the Sydney Cricket Ground and I realised we’d won, 4-2, my first emotion was … relief. I was genuinely glad it was over! 

Jack was at the game and came into our dressing-room afterwards to see me, just as celebrations were really kicking off.  

In his unmistakable Jack Gibson tone, he said “you nearly blew that Monie”.  

Then we both had a laugh and I grabbed him a beer and I had a champagne to toast the occasion.

It was a special time in my life. I will always be very grateful.