Parra matters to Paulo
BY TONY ADAMS & JOEL GOULD
BALL-PLAYING FORWARD Joseph Paulo is set to knock back approaches from a host of rival clubs to sign a new deal with the resurgent Eels.
Paulo has been one of the big success stories in the Eels' charge from wooden spooners to finals contenders and officials feared he would be lost to big spenders Manly or Brisbane.
But Paulo has indicated he is staying and is set to sign a new two-or-three-year deal.
"He's not going anywhere - he's a Parra man through and through," coach Brad Arthur says.
"He loves the place and his wife is also a real Parra person. She organises all the other wives ans she loves it here too.
"Paulo was linked to Manly when Glenn Steward signed with the Rabbitohs. And with his wife hailing from Newcastle, there was talk of a possible Knights move. Paulo, who captained the USA last year, also had Tomahawks World Cup team manager Steve Johnson pushing his cause at the Broncos, where he was favoured to sign until recent weeks. Paulo admits being wanted is a good position to be in, but maintains his preference is to stay at the Eels.
"I've always wanted to stay at Parra," Paulo says.
"But it has been awesome this season playing under Brad Arthur.
"Paulo says Arthur continues to reinforce the fact the Eels are yet to achieve anything, and must finish off the job against the Knights and Raiders away from home over the next fortnight to say in the eight.
"We are not just happy to make the numbers if we do qualify. We want to make an impact and put a real stamp on the finals," Paulo says.
"We don't have a lot of really experienced players like some other clubs but when you have someone of Jarryd Hayne's calibre it doesn't matter. He has matured and I feel like he is not just carrying the team, but leading us as well. He has become the kind of captain we always knew he could be."
"Kenny Edwards is on fire and Isaac De Gois has come in and been awesome in the middle for us. And Chrissy Sandow's kicking game has been outstanding."
"There is support all around for him."
Replies
If it was up to me no way but if i did i give one more year to see how he goes then
Ben Roberts does "some magic things" as well - do you want him in your team?
Paulo either has pictures of certain officials playing with farm animals or BA "knows" a lot more than he is saying about Paulo.
x2
Looks like we are stuck with him.
His wife sounds more useful than her husband
BAHHAHAHAHHAHHHAH so true