GRAHAM LOWE has emerged as the man to help embattled Parramatta coach Stephen Kearney to resurrect his club and career.
The Sun-Herald can reveal Eels officials have held secret discussions with New Zealand legend Lowe about joining the staff, a move which could happen before Saturday night's clash with St George Illawarra at Kogarah.
Lowe has been offered the football manager's role, with his experience viewed as the help Kearney requires to drag the team from the bottom of the ladder. Eels powerbrokers had sounded out Jason Taylor, a former Eels player and caretaker first-grade coach, about the prospect of returning to the fold as a coaching director. Kearney opposed the move and the deal was scuppered, directors mindful of keeping their vow not to meddle in football matters.
But sources outside the club have told The Sun-Herald that Lowe's name has been put forward and Kearney's initial reaction was positive about his fellow Kiwi coming on board. Calls to chairman Roy Spagnolo, who is overseas on business, and board member Mario Libertini were not returned.
Lowe is a revered figure on both sides of the Tasman after a distinguished career as a coach and administrator. The 65-year-old has held numerous posts - including coaching and administration roles at Parramatta's great rivals, Manly - and remains the only Kiwi to have coached a State of Origin team after taking over the helm of the Maroons in the early 1990s. Lowe's last rugby league role was as the chief executive of the Sea Eagles. But health issues - he has undergone numerous heart operations - forced him to step down mid-way through last year's premiership season. It's understood he has made a full recovery and is keen to again become involved in the game he loves.
Lowe and Kearney's paths have crossed during their careers. Lowe was a part-owner of the Auckland Warriors in the late 1990s, while Kearney was a second-rower there between 1995 and 1998. It is understood there is a mutual respect between the Kiwi coach and the former national team mentor.
Kearney is halfway through his three-year contract but his hopes of seeing through his five-year plan will be dashed if he can't reverse results. The Eels have won just seven games since he took over and, after narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon last year, are the firm favourites to finish with it this season.
The Eels are in the market for a number of players, including All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams, Storm hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe, and Manly duo Tony Williams and Darcy Lussick.
Well fellow supporters, in my opinion any help from people with an proven track record is a step in the right direction. What do you say?
Replies
Bara, very very interesting, hes got alot of runs on the board, n could be a boost to the team, not sure if hes up to date with the modern game ???? im sure sk,s happy to have him cause he knows lowe wont be able to take hes job.... very very interesting indeed........
Yeah snake, I'm prayin he sees the job out to the end, cause he did have health issues. But overall he is highly respected and a smart operator.
bara, do you think its a done deal ?????
Snake, i think it is, what a coincidence Spagnolo is on a overseas trip!! I guarantee you somewhere in his briefcase is the contract to sign him.
Bara, wonder what else is in spags briefcase, petty cash anyone..............
yep petty cash, and a massive vibrator which he uses to sit on, cause the man's got a bad case of constipation.
Hmmm where's Osborne?
Woolies !
Hmmm....I reckon it might be a risky move.
GL, has/had health issues, and the way Parra's going I reckon it not fair on the man to put him under any extra stress.. I know first hand cause I myself have had stents inserted.. GL should stay relaxed, retired and as far away from Parra as possible..
FOX, hows your heart doin now brother, im concerned for you now mate, but ive heard stents are pretty amazing n people feel better than they ever have after the opp, i know 2 guys that had em years ago n they are goin stronger than ever
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