Honest verdict:New Bulls coach Johan Ackermann insisting players must serve the team and earn their place through performance

New Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says all players must earn their jersey

Johan Ackermann set a firm tone in his first press conference as new Bulls coach, insisting players must serve the team and earn their place through performance.

The new coach downplayed talk of tactical changes to the way the Bulls play, focusing instead on off-field standards and the kind of culture he wants to instill in the group.

“I want a team that works hard,” Ackerman said. “So, if you’re not willing to work hard, it’s going to be a problem. It’s not about you. You must serve the team first.

“It is about picking up a thing that lies around, giving somebody water first before you drink it, caring for your teammates and those around you. You have the opportunity to treat people, so how do you treat them?

“If we have that respect and trust for each other, that will be important. The last thing is, I said [to the players], I want to trust you. If I say something you don’t like, tell me immediately.”

On how he wanted the Bulls to play, the former Lions and Gloucester coach added: “I don’t want to say too much about the style of play. That is something that we must keep to ourselves, but I will say that, hopefully, the supporters will enjoy [it].”

Ackermann also seemed to hint that past status under Jake White won’t guarantee any player a starting role moving forward, and that players must show a willingness to embrace the new team culture.

“The big thing is how they will fit into the plan. The challenge is, and I made it quite clear to the group when I met with them the first time: To play for the Bulls, you have to earn the jersey,” he said.