Ando wants Hindy to trim down

Nathan Hindmarsh has written on his blog that new coach Daniel Anderson wants him to play the season under 102kg.

It would appear that Anderson is keen to ensure Hindmarsh gets back his running best by playing at a lighter weight than he has in recent seasons.

"Our new coach, Daniel Anderson, wants me to remain at or under 102 kilograms for the entire season, which will be a challenge for me. I haven’t played under that weight for a long time," Hindmarsh blogged.

He goes onto to praise the appointment.

"I think having Daniel there will be good for the club. He makes a point of getting involved at coaching sessions and a few of the boys had him as coach during his last stint at Parramatta."

The Official 1Eyed Eel tipsheet for Daniel Anderson

So welcome back to Parramatta, Daniel Anderson. We're happy to have you.

Now, I'm sure you've got you're work cut out for you, trying to piece together this and that, so old 1Eyed figured we'd chip and prepare a little briefing sheet for you. I'm assuming you won't mind if I make a couple of little suggestions along the way. I'm generally not backward in coming forward. Most of us around these traps aren't, truth to be told. The last bloke didn't listen to us until it was too late, so we hope you cop the tip .-)

Leadership
Dan, don't be fooled into thinking you've got this covered. After all, you've got Cayless, Hindy, Finchy, Burty and a host of senior players who you can rely on to lead the way, right? Well unfortunately, it hasn't quite worked out like that. Now, we all love Nate Cayless and we love Hindy, and they're great blokes, even inspirational, but you know, it's kind of tough to drive the troops forward when you're either sitting on the bench as Cayless does for a big stint of the game, or you're racking up 40 to 50 tackles like Hindy. We need someone to provide leadership, who is going to step up when the going gets tough and is able to literally pull the side up with him. Some will tell you Finchy is the man, but Finchy doesn't need the captaincy to take a leadership role, he's the halfback that's his job.

No, your man is Feleti Mateo. Make Cayless and Mateo co-captains for 2009. Whenever the chips were down last year, there was only one-man putting his hand up whether it was with a hard-run forward or a flash of creativity. He never went missing, he played on even when injured, he's fiercely competitive but humble and if we don't screw up our recruitment again, he could be at Parramatta well into the next decade. Let him do the job side-by-side with Cayless for 2009 so he's not put under undue pressure and then he takes over solo in 2010.

Defence
I'm pretty sure, you've worked this one out Dan, but our defence was abysmal last year. Worst I've seen in many, many years. Did they do any defensive drills at all last year? Your main culprits were your big outside backs who really have no excuse not to be able to tackle. Krisnan, Taulima, Eric, Tony, etc. Seriously, I don't know who was responsible for defensive coaching last year but they better not be doing the job this year.

Fullback
You may be tempted to use Burty at the back. He's safe, a great support player and most importantly a good talker but Jarryd Hayne is a freak in this position and he can not only win a game but he can save one. Let Burty having more of a roaming commision on the wing and use Joel Reddy on the other wing - he excels there. Your predecessor's obsession with having giant wingers may have earned us some relatively easy metres up the park but it cost us a whole lot more in points because both Tony and Taulima were too slow and couldn't catch. I hope you can get Eric back to his best and if you can then he obviously comes into the side but I think the other two have earned their opportunity to start the year.

Centres
You'll hear a lot of Parramatta supporters, tell you TT is no good. They're wrong. He made consistently more metres than any of our backs last year and always tried but he's rotten under the bomb and has no idea how to play defensively on the wing. Put him in his natural position in the centres from the moment you get there, Dan, and let him play his natural game and you won't regret it. He breaks tackles with ease, hits a gap beautifully and can put on a hit. He just needs someone to teach him the positional aspects of defence and how to improve his concetration so he holds onto the ball but the exact same points apply to Krisnan. These two are as potentially good as any centre combination in the comp that just need some decent coaching. That's you right, Dan?

Halves
Whatever you do Danny boy, don't put Feleti at six. He's the best lock in the world and gives us untold options. Kris Keating can do that job. Like Finchy, he's always around the ball, looking for support - he's not afraid to take on the line and he kicks well. These two complement each other well and you know you'll get 100 per cent out of them every game which means we'll be far more consistent. And you can always get Kris to drop into nine to give his brother a short break and get Feleti closer to the ball if needed. We've finally got a really nice balanced 6,7,9, 13.

Props
We need go-forward Daniel and I hate to say this but you're a little short-stocked up front. PLEASE MAKE JUNIOR PAULO YOUR PET PROJECT. He's big, skillful and can be an absolute gun (no pun intended) if you get his fitness up to NRL level. Give serious consideration to Broderick Wright being your fourth prop. Josh Cordoba was awfully dissapointing last year and Wright is just about the most-willing forward at the club. And if we're down on depth, don't try and pretend that your backrowers like Weller and Oakey are props because despite the game plan last year, it just isn't so. Jeremy Latimore has more than earned his turn ahead of makeshift front rowers. And while we're here, give Fuifui more game time - counter to traditional thinking he thrives on it and bring out the old Captain Cranky in your skipper.

Second rowers
Another bloke some may give you a bad wrap on is Weller Huaraki. Again, don't listen. Just get his fitness up, because it was lacking last year and he'll show you what he is capable of. He should start next to Hindy and with Feleti locking the scrum thats a really nice balanced back row that will give you a bit of variety. Do work on Feleti and Weller's defence but you can pretty much apply that to every young bloke in the team as mentioned previously. Todd Lowrie is an ideal utility and underrated my most Parra fans, while I'd love to see big Ben Smith in the second row hitting the fringes like Glenn Morrison used to do so well for us. However we hear Benny is still struggling with injury so if he's not available you're best bet of the bench is smoking Joe who ensures you still have an impact second rower on the field when you bring Weller off. And then you've still got Oakey, who is much better than what he was allowed to show last year as the competition's smallest front rower and Brod Wright can play here as well. Plenty of blokes to fill these positions so that you can always keep a good balance of impact vs workhorses.

Hooker
Matt Keating can play 80 minutes or at least 70 minutes with his brother relieving him for a short stint. Unless you've got a PJ Marsh-style interchange hooker, which we don't, the whole two hooker deal is seeming like a bit of a dated concept and just uses up two valuable interchanges. Happy to let Kevin Kingston prove his worth but do keep an eye on Anthony Mitchell - there's something pretty special about this kid.

Anyway, there's the 1Eyed tipsheet, Ando. We've got plenty of good advice around here, so don't be a stranger. You've got our support and trust and being the overly optimistic bunch we are, we're expecting great things. No pressure. Well, ok, just a bit - but we don't want for much - just a premiership or two. We'll be satisfied with just the one thing year.

Yours in blue and gold,
1Eyed Eel .-)

Official Announcement: Michael Hagan Resigns as Head Coach

Pirtek Parramatta Eels head coach Michael Hagan has announced his resignation from the NRL club, effective immediately.

Hagan’s resignation was tendered to the Parramatta NRL Club Board at its regular monthly meeting held on Monday night.

The head coach, who led the Eels to within one game of the 2007 NRL Grand Final after joining the club prior to the start of last season, said his decision was motivated by a number of key factors.

“My family and my health have to be my number one priority at this point in time,” Hagan said.

“My daughters are in their final years of high school in Newcastle and the constant travel was taking its toll. I’ve also got a number of issues related to my health that I need to get sorted out.

“After much thought and lengthy discussion with those closest to me I decided that it would be best to go now, prior to the start of pre-season training.”

Eels Chief Executive Officer Denis Fitzgerald said while he was disappointed, he understands Hagan’s decision.

“It’s come as a surprise to the club but we understand the reasoning behind the decision,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.

“We are all sympathetic to Michael’s situation in regard to his family commitments and also his health and we certainly wish him all the best for the future.”

The club will shortly begin the search for Hagan’s replacement.

“We’re committed to finding the right person for the job quickly but we will not rush the decision,” Mr. Fitzgerald added.

“We will draw up a list of appropriate candidates and I anticipate we will have a head coach in place by Christmas.

“In the meantime the team will be run well under the care of current assistant coaches David Fairleigh and Matthew Cameron.”

MICHAEL HAGAN
Born: 12/08/1964
Coaching Record: 205 First Grade games. Won 109, Lost 95, Drawn 1.
Coaching Appointments: Parramatta First Grade (2007-08); Newcastle First Grade (2001-06); Newcastle First Division (2000); Canberra First Division (1999); Canberra President’s Cup (1998).
Coaching Achievements: Won NRL Premiership in his debut season (2001), Queensland State of Origin coach (2004-05), Coached teams to five NRL finals series (Parramatta 2007, Newcastle 2001-03, 2006).
Playing Record: 191 First Grade games in Australia. 80 for Canterbury (1983-88); 111 for Newcastle (1989-93). 92 games for Halifax (UK) (1984-85, 1993-95).

Hindmarsh wins Player's Player award again

Nathan Hindmarsh has won his third straight Player's Player media as well as the Supporter's Award and the Media Award at the Eels presentation night tonight.

Taulima Tautai won rookie of the year while Matt Keating picked up the coaches award.

The full list of winners are:

Supporter’s Player of the Year Award: Nathan Hindmarsh
Geoff Gerard Coaches Award – VB NSW Cup: Broderick Wright
Bob O’Reilly Players Player Award – VB NSW Cup: Joe Galuvao
Brett Kenny Coaches Award – Toyota Cup: Tim Robinson
Steven Ella Players Player Award – Toyota Cup: Kristopher Keating
Ron Lynch Media Award: Nathan Hindmarsh
Eric Grothe Rookie of the Year: Taulima Tautai
Jack Gibson Coaches Award: Matthew Keating
Michael Cronin Clubman of the Year: Krisnan Inu
Ken Thornett Medal – NRL Players Player: Nathan Hindmarsh

Eels announce 4 new faces in top 35

Parramatta has announced the signings of Manly's reserve half Jeff Robson, Cronulla lower grade hooker Kevin Kingston and North Sydney centre Greg Nicols who join promising Newcastle young centre Callan Richardson as the only new faces to be a part of Parramatta's top 35.

In an announcement made today, Parramatta described the players, who all have signed one year deals as follows:

Kevin Kingston is an experienced hooker who comes to the Eels after 59 NRL matches for the Cronulla Sharks. Originally from Nerang on the Gold Coast, 25 year-old Kingston represented Queensland at schoolboy level before making his NRL debut in 2005 for the Sharks against the Newcastle Knights.

Greg Nichols is a crafty centre or five eighth who has been a standout in recent times for the North Sydney Bears in the VB NSW Cup, taking out their Player of the Year award in 2008.

Callan Richardson is a hard working centre who captained the Newcastle Knights Toyota Cup team in 2008. A former NSW representative at both under 17 and under 19 levels, 20 year-old Richardson came through the Knights junior representative program and arrives at the Eels highly regarded.

Jeff Robson made his NRL debut for Manly in 2004 but was limited to seven First Grade appearances due in no small part to the presence of both Michael Monaghan and then Matt Orford at the club. Born in Leeton in the NSW Riverina, 26 year-old Robson can play halfback, five eighth and hooker and led the way for the Eagles in their round 19 win over the Eels in 2008"

The Eels squad will look as follows:

Outside backs:
Luke Burt, James Grehan, Eric Grothe, Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Jonathan Wright, Etu Uaisele, Taulima Tautai, Joel Reddy, Callan Richardson, Greg Nicols, Ben Smith

Halves:
Brett Finch, Kris Keating, Jeff Robson

Back row:
David Baumann, Joe Galuvao, Weller Huaraki, Nathan Hindmarsh, Justin Horo, Tim Robinson, Martin Lewis, Todd Lowrie, Brendan Oake, Feleti Mateo

Props:
Nathan Cayless, Josh Cordoba, Broderick Wright, Jeremy Latimore, Tim Mannah, Fuifui Moimoi, Junior Paulo

Hookers:
Matthew Keating, Anthony Mitchell, Kevin Kingston

Eels salvage something from 2008

Despite a horror year at NRL level, Parramatta has finished 2008 with more than its share of silverware in the trophy cabinet.

As well as the VB NSW Cup victory of feeder club Wentworthville, who made it four premierships straight for the Eels reserves, Parramatta also finished as Club champions.

The Eels finished seven points ahead of second placed Penrith, with this year's club championship decided for points accumulated in the VB NSW Cup, SG Ball and Harold Matthews Cup.

Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald boasted that: "It demonstrates that the Eels’ Development Program is still the benchmark for all clubs in NSW and the winning of this award is great recognition of the magnificent work done by the coaches, managers, training and medical staff of these grades, who in the majority, act in an honorary capacity."

The Eels won Harold Matthews and the NSW Cup and finished runners up in SG Ball after finishing the main competition as minor premiers.

I can't believe I'm going to have to support Manly

Never in my life did I think I'd ever even contemplate supporting Manly. However, I actually think I'd prefer Manly to Melbourne.

My hatred of Melbourne goes back to when I got to go to the Dally M awards with other Eels supporters and a bunch of obnoxious Storm supporters stole our chairs when we went to get food. They then preceded to be really annoying in their support of Cameron Smith over Nathan Hindmarsh as it became a two-horse race. Ringomitch will back me up - he was there. Is it harsh to dislike a team, because they're supporters are gits - I think not.

Yet last year I still wanted Melbourne to win over Manly. Somehow all the grappling, wrestling, and an increasing perception of arrogance, Melbourne has lost me. At the same time, you can't help but want the Beaver to go out a winner and you can't help but respect Des Hasler. I also admire with a dose of envy what the club with Max Delmege has done to turn itself around. And hell, even Jamie Lyon's humility has just about won me over.

So while I won't admit to actually cheering for Manly, I am actually hoping the Sydney team wins...

Eels NYC eyeing third

Parramatta's NYC team has the chance to jump over the top of the Warriors into third position if they can secure a victory in their final game of the season which will be played against that very side.

The Eels have had a nice settled lineup in recent weeks with the only disruption for this match being Tim Robinson's possible promotion to first grade.

Parramatta blew a 16 point lead against the Dragons before drawing the match 26 all. Fullback Nathan Gardner who has been super impressive in the back half of this season was a standout scoring a fabulous length of the field individual try.

Click more for full side

Tim may join Chad in his last match

Eels youngster Tim Robinson may join brother Chad in his last game in Blue and Gold colours after his was named as the extra man on an extended becnh.

There are no changes to the team that was dominated by St George last week with the exception of Tim's inclusion on the bench.

That means Daniel Wagon and Mark Riddell won't get a Blue and Gold send-offs. However the club has promised a tribute to all three players to be played on the big screen prior to the match.

Eels vs Warriors

1 Jarryd HAYNE
2 Luke BURT
3 Taulima TAUTAI
4 Krisnan INU
5 Tony WILLIAMS
6 Feleti MATEO
7 Kristopher KEATING
8 Nathan CAYLESS [C]
9 Matthew KEATING
10 Fuifui MOIMOI
11 Nathan HINDMARSH
12 Todd LOWRIE
13 Chad ROBINSON
14 Brendan OAKE
15 Josh CORDOBA
16 Weller HAURAKI
17 Junior PAULO
19 Tim ROBINSON

The psychology of the turnaround

I've made the case on this site on ample occasions that the most important hire Parramatta could make is a sports psychologist. I believe player's psychology to be the single most important factor in deciding whether a side is performing a maximum efficiency or bumbling along like a broken ass.

It's pretty clear that in terms of the psychology of the Parramatta football team, Michael Hagan failed this year. After months and months of declaring she'll be right, it took the likelihood that Parramatta's season was about to collapse before he finally admitted that the players weren't playing with the necessary attitude to defend their line and play consistent football.

Earlier in the year, we heard in glowing terms how Hagan's cool-headed approach was reaping dividends. When the Eels were down and out against the Bulldogs, Hages kept calm and the team responded with a miraculous comeback. In Hages we trust, roared the fans.

Hages stayed cool as Parramatta lurched along. We're not far off coming good, he would say repeatedly. He kept faith in his senior players. Until it was too late. There was a reported blow-up that didn't apparently go down well with some of the younger players and in the last few games, Hagan appeared far more visibly strained in the coaches box.