What Has Turned Around Bryce Gibbs ??

[tonyo]

I disagree he's been threatened with playing in the 2nds - he doesn't strike me as a player that would take kindly to threats.

I think he's probably found in Bolton someone who understands that he is one of our best players and is installing in those around him the confidence to get in and do their part - I reckon BG felt if he played his best each week it'd all be left to him and he felt overwhelmed by it or simply just didn't think it should all be on his shoulders - I reckon bolt is making those around him
More accountable

It was very noticeable that Bolton ran straight to Simmo after the siren went last week, and he refers to him as the 'spiritual' leader of the club.  From the outside looking in, it seems to me that Gibbs is playing more 'Simmo-like' - getting down and dirty when he needs to, scrapping for everything he can - and when that it added to his natural ability, he is at the next level.  It's also noticeable that he is getting into push and shoves with the opposition, protecting the younger guys.

I reckon Bolton has challenged the leaders (Murphy, Simmo, Gibbs) to be just that - leaders.  Not only in voice, but in actions.  As Bolton himself said, he has been impressed how the leaders have become an extension of the coaching panel.

There is another part of the culture developing which is just as pleasing - watch the replays carefully.  After a player has a bit of a stuff up like a bad kick or a missed mark, at least one other player comes over and gives him a pat on the backside as if to say 'don't dwell on it, we'll get it next time'.  Successful teams are very good at celebrating their victory moments, but they are also good at collectively owning their problems and dealing with it in a positive light. The attitude of "We're in this together" is fundamental to teams of any sort.