EELS STILL CHASING CRONK - OFFER $500K PER SEASON - Eels Blogs

DESPITE being officially warned off by Melbourne, Parramatta suits are still making plenty of noise about poaching Cooper Cronk for next season.

We've heard Eels boss Paul Osborne has ignored the Storm's terse reminder to desist from negotiations with Cronk, who is contracted to Melbourne for another three years.

It's understood Osborne has continued talks with Cronk's management, who are no doubt captivated by the extra commission they could earn from the Eels' $500,000-a-year offer - a handsome hike from the halfback's current $350,000 salary.

Melbourne, however, will not release Cronk under any circumstances - and we're also told he's got no intention of quitting the besieged Storm in their hour of need.

The Eels were supremely confident of persuading Trent Barrett to defer his retirement last week - and were wrong-footed. Should the same scenario repeat with Cronk, Brett Kimmorley could again come into calculations - particularly given Osborne met the veteran's agent, George Mimis, yesterday afternoon.

Kimmorley was expected to announce his future yesterday, but it's now understood that a decision won't be made for another week.

***

BIG-HEARTED Eels prop Justin Poore is back on the Rwanda trail, organising a harbour cruise to raise money for the country's genocide orphans.

Poore will host the charity event on Wednesday night, 18 August, and has already locked in Aussie diva Christine Anu to perform.

***

IN OTHER signing news, Manly's Steve Matai is being chased by no fewer than four clubs. Off contract at the end of the year, the Kiwi Test centre has fielded interest from the Warriors, the Bulldogs, the Sharks and the Eels. With a rap sheet as long as the Sharks' premiership drought, the UK is not an option for the firebrand who would have little chance of securing a work vis

DAILY TELEGRAPH

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/brad-tighe-closes-in-on-cronulla-deal/story-e6frexnr-1225897172149

I THINK FOR THAT MONEY WE SHOULD STICK WITH ROBSON!!!!!

Replies

PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au July 28, 2010 at 9:52pm

don't believe everything you read in the Tele....
Jpav July 29, 2010 at 3:59am

i smell smoke
Mac5733 July 29, 2010 at 6:44am

It's a bit of an insult to robson! He's playing really solid at the moment! He's one our best defenders and how many times have we got to say that about one of our halfbacks?
Think of all the players we'd lose just to get cronk!
- Hindy > Mac5733 July 29, 2010 at 7:40am
  
  yeh i agree with this. I hear on the radio last night all the Souths supporters ringing up hoping that the Inglis signing is not true and the players they woudl lose if true. Also, look at Dragons losing a couple of their players end of this year due to the Mark Gasnier contract. His contact may not be the sole reason for losing their players but no doubt is a reason in losing some. 500k a lot of money for one player.
Priceforever July 29, 2010 at 7:23am

Totally agree Robson is playing in his correct position and is starting to lead the team well.He is on a fraction of the salary of Cooper Cronk which leaves us some money to retain the likes of Tim Manna and Horo.
Jpav July 29, 2010 at 4:23pm

parra is obbsessed with getting a halfback it seems
PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au July 29, 2010 at 4:43pm

he is a quite a angry man on the field, off the field he is a great bloke from all reports.
Tinkerbell July 29, 2010 at 4:48pm

I completely agree Perfecta.

I think Parramatta have a certain 'nice guy culture' at our club. Look at men like Nathan Cayless, Tim Mannah, Nathan Hindmarsh, Krisnan Inu, Ben Smith, Luke Burt, Shane Shackleton and Justin Poore. These men are all notable community examples and genuine nice guys.

I think our recruitment takes this 'nice guy' element into consideration.

This is why Matai would never fit in at the Eels. Cooper Cronk on the other hand....