Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has expressed his commitment to focusing on on-ground expertise rather than social media speculation regarding player selections for the upcoming season. He emphasized that while social media opinions abound, his decisions are guided strictly by the knowledge and insights of coaching staff and those closely associated with the players.
Byrne stated, “Social media has a lot of opinions out there, and that’s what it is about. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we will be working closely with the people on the ground.” His approach is characterized by open communication, as he engages in dialogues with approximately 80 potential players in anticipation of the upcoming tests.
Set to announce his squad three weeks prior to the Flying Fijians’ match against the Wallabies in Newcastle on July 6, Byrne has already been in discussions about team selection. He believes that understanding player capabilities through skillset training is crucial as it allows him to build upon the players’ strengths and improve the overall team dynamic.
This collaborative mindset mirrors his previous remarks on the Maul or Nothing podcast, where Byrne explained his role as a facilitator, a coach who aims to draw out the best from his players without imposing a rigid structure. He recognizes the challenges of securing player availability during recent tours, highlighting the importance of building stronger relationships with clubs to streamline player participation.
With the Pacific Nations Cup approaching, where Fiji will host Samoa on August 23 and travel to Nuku’alofa for a match against Tonga on September 6, the emphasis on dialogue and expertise symbolizes a hopeful trend towards a strong and cohesive team. Additionally, Byrne’s commitment to fostering player spirit and individuality promises an exciting journey for the Flying Fijians as they prepare for these pivotal matches.
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