Chris Walker has become the latest Eel to be released in 2012 joining the likes of Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Anthony Mitchell, Billy Rogers and Paul Whatuira as players who were contracted to the club for this season only to be relieved of that commitment during the year.
1Eyed Eel has confirmed that Walker is no longer with the club. Walker publicly tweeted that he had returned to the Gold Coast to re-locate his family but up until a couple of weeks ago had indicated he would return to Parramatta. However, he and the club have now agreed to formally part ways.
Stephen Kearney’s willingness to let go of players who have not displayed 100 per cent commitment towards the cause, may be the biggest take-out to come from this season. The Eels went into 2011 undermanned, and their squad has been progressively depleted during the year due to injuries and the unprecedented number of released players. More than 20 per cent of their Top 25 squad have departed during the year.
However, Kearney’s willingness to release players - even in positions where the Eel’s depth has been sorely tested - has been a clear indicator of his priorities for 2011. Releasing players who, for whatever reason, have not been able to fully meet their playing and training responsibilities must send a clear signal to the playing group that only absolutely commitment is expected and accepted.
Discipline and commitment have clearly been the basis of Kearney’s coaching and while the Eels have struggled to rack up the number of wins, there has been a very obvious change in the side’s capacity to compete on a week-in, week-out basis. Aside from two blow-outs against the Storm and Dragons, Parramatta have been in positions to win almost every one of their matches this season.
Given the holes that have been punched in a roster that many felt was one of the weakest in the competition to begin with, that’s no insignificant achievement.
Indeed, if you look at the number of contracted players who have left the club or spent very large chunks of the season as unavailable you can field a pretty impressive side.
1. Chris Walker (Released)
2. Chris Hicks (Injured or out-of-form)
3. Timana Tahu (Released)
4. Paul Whatuira (Released)
5. Eric Grothe (Retired)
6. Tom Humble (Missed majority of season through suspension)
7. Daniel Mortimer (Out-of-form and playing seconds)
8. Justin Poore (Long-term injury)
9. Anthony Mitchell (Released)
10. Carl Webb (Mostly injured)
11. Jacob Loko (Injured for back-half of season)
12. Joel Reddy (Long-term injury)
13. Billy Rogers (Released)
This Monday night, Parramatta will have no right to compete with the Melbourne Storm, who are on a hot winning streak, have rep players all over the park and are carrying very few significant injuries. However, I’m willing to bet that Parramatta will battle hard and if they go down, they will do it fighting. It heartens me to no end that I can go to the footy each week - especially at home - with the expectation that my side will go to war with all guns blazing, even if they’re running short on ammo.
The record books will show 2011 to be a failure, but it the Eels can continue to make progress in the areas they have this year, it could be shown to be the most important year in the side’s modern history.
1Eyed Eel has confirmed that Walker is no longer with the club. Walker publicly tweeted that he had returned to the Gold Coast to re-locate his family but up until a couple of weeks ago had indicated he would return to Parramatta. However, he and the club have now agreed to formally part ways.
Stephen Kearney’s willingness to let go of players who have not displayed 100 per cent commitment towards the cause, may be the biggest take-out to come from this season. The Eels went into 2011 undermanned, and their squad has been progressively depleted during the year due to injuries and the unprecedented number of released players. More than 20 per cent of their Top 25 squad have departed during the year.
However, Kearney’s willingness to release players - even in positions where the Eel’s depth has been sorely tested - has been a clear indicator of his priorities for 2011. Releasing players who, for whatever reason, have not been able to fully meet their playing and training responsibilities must send a clear signal to the playing group that only absolutely commitment is expected and accepted.
Discipline and commitment have clearly been the basis of Kearney’s coaching and while the Eels have struggled to rack up the number of wins, there has been a very obvious change in the side’s capacity to compete on a week-in, week-out basis. Aside from two blow-outs against the Storm and Dragons, Parramatta have been in positions to win almost every one of their matches this season.
Given the holes that have been punched in a roster that many felt was one of the weakest in the competition to begin with, that’s no insignificant achievement.
Indeed, if you look at the number of contracted players who have left the club or spent very large chunks of the season as unavailable you can field a pretty impressive side.
1. Chris Walker (Released)
2. Chris Hicks (Injured or out-of-form)
3. Timana Tahu (Released)
4. Paul Whatuira (Released)
5. Eric Grothe (Retired)
6. Tom Humble (Missed majority of season through suspension)
7. Daniel Mortimer (Out-of-form and playing seconds)
8. Justin Poore (Long-term injury)
9. Anthony Mitchell (Released)
10. Carl Webb (Mostly injured)
11. Jacob Loko (Injured for back-half of season)
12. Joel Reddy (Long-term injury)
13. Billy Rogers (Released)
This Monday night, Parramatta will have no right to compete with the Melbourne Storm, who are on a hot winning streak, have rep players all over the park and are carrying very few significant injuries. However, I’m willing to bet that Parramatta will battle hard and if they go down, they will do it fighting. It heartens me to no end that I can go to the footy each week - especially at home - with the expectation that my side will go to war with all guns blazing, even if they’re running short on ammo.
The record books will show 2011 to be a failure, but it the Eels can continue to make progress in the areas they have this year, it could be shown to be the most important year in the side’s modern history.
Replies
I think Carl Webb will be the next to be released... He shows in the weight he is carrying he has lost passion and not training as hard.
As for Walker, couldn't believe we signed him in the first place, but ohh well all the better without him.
The list of 13 above shows Kearney intent to change, which is what the Parra Club has needed.
Also to add to that list is the releasing of Rod Reddy and Peter Sharp. BIG changes.....
didnt realise rogers was released but i am sure glad he was. Wasted cap space
Thanks Chris! good luck for the future
. lastly my earliest memories of c walker was as an absolute flying machine for the broncos a brash upstart but certainly knew his way to the tryline he should never have left the broncos system for mine but we are all legends in retrospect.
is heart has always been back in Qld, he did his best for us on the field, interacted with the fans on twitter as well.
Good for him, all the best in what ever life brings you next Chris.
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