New Parramatta Eels chairman Matthew Beach undertook his first public function, appearing alongside Jason Ryles, Mark O'Neill and Jim Sarantinos at the member's forum on Tuesday 11 February.
Beach pointed out that the club no longer entertains player options when it comes to negotiating player contracts, and the Eels have not agreed to a player option over the past 2 seasons, which includes the signing or re-signing of 25 NRL players.
Responding to questions raised in the forum, head of football, Mark O'Neill explained that player options are commonly used across the game with approximately 14-15 clubs using them, including the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters.
The Eels currently have 3 players contracted with player options, but have moved away from offering that.
During the forum, O'Neill also explained the club's approach to developing players. While the Eels continue to have a strong junior catchment and they have made large scale improvements including the appointment of full-time coaches to development squads, the club continues to be on the lookout for players outside their catchment.
Ryles spoke about his time at Melbourne and their identification of players "under the surface". He's looking for players that are early in their careers that could do with some further coaching to become first graders, which is also playing into the club's development ethos.
Even the Panthers heavily recruit from outside their junior base with the likes of Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo and Villiame Kikau being identified outside the traditional Penrith area.
O'Neill highlighted 2 key areas in player development:
- Identify, develop and retain local juniors to bring them into first grade
- Identify players from outside the Parramatta system who can fill a needed role and are open to coaching to develop into first graders
Ryles identified Dean Hawkins as an example of recruiting to fill a need, saying Hawkins has the maturity level and attributes he's looking for to be the back up to Moses. He said Hawkins possessed a coach's brain and is essentially running the Cup team when they're on the field.
The forum on a whole was an interesting night and Jason Ryles was impressive in the way he conducted himself and responded to questions. It's clear there is alignment from the board and CEO down to the football operations and everyone is moving in the same direction.
Now we just have to see the proof in the pudding on the field.
Replies
There's absolutely no issues with developing players outside the Eels catchment areas. What i was opposed to under Arthur, was the amount of non development players he brought into our lower grades especially, in a bid to have back ups. These 24 - 30 yo players, usually plateaued or went backwards, and also blocked any pathway players
Agreed on that. NSW Cup team needs to be filled with players who have real potential to become NRL players, not players who never made it. These young players also need careful development in their skill gap areas to make sure they are NRL ready as back-ups. This change in thinking is what will kick start our own development conveyor belt.
Thanks Super you explained the night very well well as i have stated i was was also in attendance and have tried to get across a bit of a summary of what took place . But your report goes a lot further with what transpired once again thanks and i also found what was discussed by all the participants encouraging . Let's hope We are all headed inthe up direction
I was at the members forum. It was a good start to increase members engagement but the questions submitted by members were cherry-picked and we weren't allowed to ask any follow up questions to their answers.
II thought there was a good crosss section of questions asked and answered . One thing i did notice was Dennis Fitzgerald was there in his suit and tie ?
Super, good summary and what I noticed was the strong wording around player options from Beach. When he jumped in and said there will be no more PO, the audience all clapped.
There seems to be a clear shift in a few things and also the clear link between junior rep coaching attending NRL training as well.
Ryles for me spoke v well and clear abt club culture.
Totally agree Mitchy spot on
I thought the new Chairman's first message sent to members a week or so ago was quite impressive. Direct and to the point. No fluffing around the edges........ and he made sure to point out he is a long term, passionate Eels supporter - exactly what many on here have been asking for for some time now.
Agree
This just makes me so happy !!!
Thankgod we have grown a spine and the tail ain't wagging the dog anymore
Accountability , expectations , for existing players
looking outside the square ( of the rhinos ) and our needs for new players .
it all just sounds well thought out and strategic - like our footy intelligence has increased in the club ten fold
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