NSW Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar was incensed by the decision. His team’s disappointing 48-33 loss to the New Zealand-based Crusaders on Friday night sealed the doom of his hot start. This painful loss is the Waratahs fourth on the trot, forcing the team to take a long hard look at their application and willingness to prepare to play. McKellar, clearly upset, demanded a full investigation into the club’s culture and day to day operations.
After Saturday’s match on May 17, 2025, McKellar issued a blistering statement. He ripped the team’s utter failure to show up. He noted that some of the players were playing without fear and they got away with it too long on a team that was still by and large bad.
Call for Change
McKellar emphasized the need for a cultural overhaul within the organization, stating, “There are some people who are too comfortable. That needs to change. If you’re too comfortable, just happy to be here and wear the tracksuit, that will change.” His comments punctuate the kind of urgency that he believes should exist right now.
The coach took full responsibility for the team’s performance, asserting that improvements must be made for the future success of the franchise. “But ultimately, that’s on me,” he accepted, referring to his role in driving the profound changes required. His priority is to establish a strong framework that will serve the organization and its priorities for decades.
Lessons Learned
McKellar looked back fondly on his time spent at the Waratahs. He admitted that he’s learned really important principles, despite the team’s recent turmoil. He stated, “I’ve observed, learned a lot of good things, and you’ve got to want to do it day in, day out, week in, week out. A lot of guys are doing that. There’s a few that aren’t.” This honest acknowledgment of our strengths and weaknesses is an important starting point for making our future better.
The coach’s dedication to establishing a culture of showing up to work hard and be your best self, every single day, shines through. He understands that success is determined by what you do every day, so he demands that his players pursue greatness every single day.
The Road Ahead
As the Waratahs readied themselves for their remaining fixtures, McKellar’s threat of a “brutal” review to come still hangs heavily. His goal is to proactively pinpoint weaknesses within the squad and put processes in place to remedy them and perform at a higher level. The new coach is hell-bent on introducing a new winning attitude to his players. This mentality will be important as they look to snap their three game losing streak.
