Written by our good friend Proszenko:
Parramatta have enjoyed a victory over former coach Ricky Stuart before their much-anticipated clash with Canberra by winning the battle for the services of lock Joseph Paulo.
Paulo is off contract at season's end and has fielded interest from several suitors, including Newcastle. However, the Raiders were the team most likely to prise the 26-year-old out of Parramatta after tabling a lucrative deal. Stuart is well aware of Paulo's skills with the Steeden after coaching the blue-and-golds last year. However, the man dubbed "Captain America" after skippering the Tomahawks in the World Cup has all but agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at Pirtek Stadium for the long term.
The move continues a barren recruitment drive for the Green Machine after being knocked back by a slew of stars, including Michael Ennis, James Tedesco, Kevin Proctor and Josh Mansour.
Paulo, who started his NRL career at Penrith, recently celebrated his 100th game in the top grade and shapes as one of the key figures if the Eels are to extend their run well into September. Parramatta can keep their season alive with a win in the nation's capital on Saturday, but are dependent on other results going their way. Last year's wooden-spooners need Melbourne to defeat Brisbane at AAMI Park on Friday and then hope Penrith can topple the Warriors at Sportingbet Stadium to sneak into eighth spot.
Adding extra spice to the encounter is the fact that the man standing in their way is Stuart, who controversially walked out on Parramatta after exercising a loophole in his three-year deal.
While the Eels will finish the regular season no lower than 10th under replacement coach Brad Arthur, the Raiders will finish lower than the 13th place they secured under David Furner last year.
Ben Smith won't be available for the GIO Stadium clash after the Parramatta back-rower accepted a guilty plea for a crusher tackle in last weekend's disappointing loss to Newcastle. Manu Ma'u is expected to take the place of Smith, who has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
"The finals are there but we're just more focused about this week and what we have to step up to from last weekend," said Parramatta winger Ken Sio.
The Eels, who scraped home in a nail-biter when the teams played in Darwin earlier this year, confirmed Peter Sharp rejoined the football department this week. The former Cronulla coach will oversee the list management of the NRL, NYC and junior squads alongside Arthur and the club's head of football operations, Daniel Anderson. A former Eels assistant coach on three occasions in the past 20 years, Sharp will focus on recruitment and retention across the club's football programs, as well as coaching strategies with the junior grades.
"I love the club and I really think it's on the improve, and I'm excited to take this role on as a new career development for me," Sharp said. "I think the talent in the Parramatta area is fantastic and untapped, and I'm looking forward to getting straight into things."
Eels chief executive Scott Seward added: "Having someone of Peter's experience joining our football staff is going to be invaluable for us. He has a great rugby league mind and will bring a lot to our future recruitment and retention plans."
Replies
At last. Pride has been restored after a while inthe wilderness of pain. Good to see that Sharpie loves the club and sees improvement. And Paulo, he has his up and downs but good to see he told Ricky Rat Shit where to shove it. SK was out to bring the club down as a revenge for Melbourne, Ricky Rat Shit was out for the 800k.
Knew there was a god, this just seals it.
I'm not overly fond of Paulo, but there's no obvious alternative for the lock position. Between him and Gower I think Paulo's better involved in set attacking plays against the opposition tryline, while Gower is better in general play. I'm happy for them to rotate but it is concerning that neither have cemented the position.
Fark you pRicky.
Been gone for 12 months and still screwing us.
pRicky's talent spotting is dubious, but in this case he is correct 1000000%.....love the Seffa
Who would you play then? Gower can't do it for 80 mins. Paulo wouldn't be in my long term plans but we have to make due for the time being.
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