EEL’S CONTRACT CONFUSION
Queensland Origin hopeful J’maine Hopgood is baulking at signing an Eels extension in the wake of coach Brad Arthur’s sacking.
Sport Confidential understands Parramatta have tabled a two-year upgrade to keep Hopgood at the club until the end of 2027.
Hopgood is off-contract at the end of next season and the Eels are moving swiftly to prevent the 25-year-old heading to free agency from November 1 in the wake of his impressive form over the past two years.
But the Hervey Bay product wants clarity over Parramatta’s coaching position before he commits to a new deal.
Like many Eels players, Hopgood had great respect for Arthur, who has shown great class since his sacking, lauding the support of the Parramatta squad.
While he is a Queenslander, Hopgood is content at the Eels, but wants to know Parramatta’s plans for their next coach before he rushes into signing a new deal.
Replies
That's fair enough.
Agree, but really is it gonna matter which coach signs?
If its Madge he'll walk. Madge has a reputation of having zero relationships with the players. Thats the one thing that BA had which made them loyal to BA, not the club.
I would prefer players who are loyal to the club and not just the coach.
That's half the issue with this club and it's players.
Spot on, if the players don't want to play for the jersey they can go elsewhere. The problem under Arthur and The ceo, was that there's minimal development players coming through meaning less association with being tied to the Parramatta area. The ones did that come through are mostly rouse Hill players,
Ba really did a job in holding players close to his chest
LOL there goes 3/4 of the players from every team. Munster almost joined the Dolphins but stayed for Bellamy. Playes are already linked to Bennett at Souths. Lomax left his junior team to join BA. Players dont play for the Jersey anymore, they go where they believe they can have the most success.
Yeah like the bush coach was so successful that he had a 30% win rate when it mattered most in the finals. The only teams he ever beat in the finals were 4 mediocre teams from 12 finals appearances. The fact that he pulled the wool over the unicorn fan's eyes was a master-stroke on his behalf. He's probably a champion Texas holdem player in his spare time
How does a 30% finals win rate get a coach an 11 year extension? The mind boggles
No he wasnt successful, but he had good a relationship with the players. They players were loyal to him. the last year and a half his tactics got stale and he couldnt adapt to the league. Thats why he got the boot. I can guarantee Madge will lose the dressing room within 2 years. Happened at South and it happended at the Tigers. I dont understand your faciniation with Madge.
That's true cp ba had a very good relationship with the players, but like with everything his time came to an end. The club now have to choose the best candidate and move on.
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