Mark Riddell poised to fly back home to Parramatta

SMH: 8/8/2010 by JOSH RAKIC

CULT figure Mark ''Piggy'' Riddell is set for a return to the NRL next season - and with his former club, the Parramatta Eels.

A trimmed-down Riddell has been in rare form for Wigan and the hooker's management has been in negotiations with Eels coach Daniel Anderson, who as recently as Friday indicated a strong interest in bringing the 29-year-old home.

Riddell is excited at the prospect of returning to the club he played 86 matches for over four seasons. It's understood he would fill a utility role, shifting between the back row and his favoured position of hooker.

The Eels have already lost 2009 star hooker Kevin Kingston and will be without gun rookie Kris Keating in 2011, opening the door for Riddell to return after two years in the English Super League. Wigan have already approved a release from the final year of his contract.

''I think their priority is to get a world-class halfback. However, I remain hopeful, as Mark always enjoyed his time at Parramatta and he still knows most of the personnel,'' said Riddell's manager, Darryl Mather, who confirmed he'd held discussions with the club.

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  • looks like riddell is coming back
  • Maybe Cause he has trimmed down we might have the half we have been craving for all these years lol.. MayBe not!!!
  • yeah would be a good positive for next year, i have to laugh tho we get rid of kingston and bring back riddell lol, d.a. may have over estimated his players this year?,
  • A he kicks goals??? we need a backup kicker
  • Yeah great signing he will be. All we need now is to also look to sign Ben kusto
  • Awesome. I'm a big Glenn Morrison fan!

    Obviously he's the next target. Our 2011 motto could be "Bringing back 2005".

    The Sharks will probably be happy to let Timmy Smith go.
    The pieces of the puzzle are slowly coming together.
  • YEH Bring back the pig
  • this is parras problem,riddell,mason.tuiaki,kimmorly,barrett etc are all past their best...good players but past their best.mean while,manly, cronulla etc are raping our young prospects because for some stupid reason our club is hesitant to play young players.if someone like loko or the like isnt blooded this year they look at their peers at the same age getting a go at other clubs and get itchy feet.this is what happened to tony williams,bag him all you like the guy is a potential superstar and we didnt see it.ive heard even though under contract loko is being chased already by at least 2 clubs......DA put the guy in this week you fool
  • I thought he would be a terrible signing but i watched one of his gamers a few weeks back, and he goes good. Good signing if the price is right
  • i totally agree with you da is a fool friday nite when parra was up mateo was at his best da took him off why ill never know da is a wanker we should use loko and mitchell dump kk and inu if we want to suceed in 2011. im sick of clubs taking our good juniors and we buy crap or bleed players in non important postions why why why they do it.
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