Chris Sandow will attempt to resurrect his faltering career when he rejoins his Parramatta teammates for the start of pre-season training on Monday.
Sandow, who missed the end of the 2013 season at the request of the club in a bid to overcome a gambling problem, has been given the green light to return to training just three months after he was banished from Eels training by former coach Ricky Stuart.
We will offer Chris as much support as he needs.
The former South Sydney halfback, who has struggled to recapture his old form since joining the Eels in 2012, spent three weeks at a rehabilitation clinic in August.
The Eels, minus their World Cup representatives and Will Hopoate, start pre-season training under new coach Brad Arthur on Monday.
Eels chief executive Scott Seward said Sandow would be among the first group of players to return to training and would not go into the new season with any additional expectations or be expected to fullfil any special requirements.
"We will offer Chris as much support as he needs," Seward said.
"But he will return to training with the rest of the boys having completed his rehab. He's on the same page as everyone else. Chris is old enough to take responsibility for himself, but we are here to support him."
New recruit Corey Norman will also begin training with the Eels after joining the club from the Brisbane Broncos during the off-season.
Norman caught up with Sandow during the club's induction last week and admitted he was looking forward to linking up with the pint-size playmaker.
"Chrissy seems like a good bloke," Norman said.
"He's obviously had his problems, but I'm looking forward to being in the same team as him. I don't know what the coach has planned for the halves yet, but Chris seems like a really good bloke."
Fellow new recruit Hopate will be available to return to training from November 16.
The Eels have granted the former Sea Eagles speedster some additional time with his family following his two-year Mormon mission.
Hopoate is expected to start training with the Eels at the end of November.
Replies
Good luck Chrissie show what you can do.
As for Hopoate,although there's only a couple of weeks in it, can't see why he should not have had to start training along with everyone else.
Of all the players,thought he would be the one to show up with bells on.
He's been away from his family for two years. I think it's great that the club have let him spend some time with them.
What do you reckon Will Hopoate would much prefer? As you said, the WC players won't be back anyway so anything to improve the mindset & attitude of our star recruit can only be a good thing.
It's obvious that the Hoppas are a very tight family and I think it would be beneficial to everyone. Let the kid see his mum & dad for a bit!
Perhaps the club want to do some individual training with him first as to get him up to speed and continue to monitor his fitness, before he starts training with the entire side?
As far as Hoppa goes the club is doing the right thing. He will neeed time to re-adjust to Sydney and then his football.
Don't forget Brisbane is 1hr & 10yrs behind the rest of the East Coast
If you want a happy Will Hopoate playing for us, allowing him to see his family was crucial. The Mormon mission - whilst rewarding for Hoppa - obviously meant he couldn't see his family for the duration of the two years.
He has a chance to do that now and the club letting him do so is fantastic.
The selection of the #7 jersey is going to be very interesting. I also think 1 centre spot and the make up of the backrow will be interesting selections. Another interesting spot will be #14.
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