Rugby League Coach
Masters began his career coaching at the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSWRL competition in 1978, while still a social science teacher at Doonside High School. He was appointed even though he had no experience as a professional player, though he had played country football as a hooker of, "only average ability." He re-built the Magpies, who had been in decline since suffering three successive grand final losses to St George from 1961 to 1963. He coached the Magpies to a minor premiership in 1978 and they played with consistent high quality during this period. Many acclaimed players were produced under his tutelage, including Les Boyd and Tommy Raudonikis.
Masters was a master of psychology, famously terming the Western Suburbs the "fibros" (a type of asbestos sheeting commonly used in houses in the area) as opposed to Manly (The Sea Eagles), whom he described as the "silvertails". This reflected both the socio-economics of the respective Sydney suburbs and the financial situations of the clubs. He created this term after an exhibition match in Melbourne. The Sea Eagles stayed at a luxury resort while Wests had to make do with a two star hotel.
"I've been a battler all my life. I can communicate with a team like Wests. I form a close personal relationship with each of my players because I'm one of their kind." Masters said of his time at the club. Masters left Western Suburbs when it emerged that the Magpies' affiliated leagues club at Ashfield would no longer be able to support the incomes of his key "fibros" players.
Masters moved on to St George in 1982, reaching the Grand Final in 1985 but losing to Canterbury-Bankstown 7-6. Masters is regarded as one of the finest coaches to have never won a premiership because he was seemingly able to help financially struggling clubs to perform above their ability. He was awarded the Dally M coach of the year in 1985.
In September 2004 Masters was named as coach of the Western Suburbs Magpies team of the century.
Read more about this topic: Roy Masters (rugby League)
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