Keating close to signing, Mitchell in doubt

Despite reports to the contrary, Kris Keating remains odds-on to stay the club, however the same can't be said for another Eels junior Anthony Mitchell.

According to Eels insiders, Parramatta is on the verge of moving forward with Keating's contract after an impressive display against Melbourne. His signature could be sealed as early as next week.

Reports that the Sharks have offered Keating a three-year deal appear to be correct, but 1Eyed Eel understands that Keating's management has never entertained a move to Cronulla.

Indeed if Keating was to swap clubs it is believed that the Bulldogs remain interested especially in light of the recent signing of Keating's former junior teammate and close friend, Trent Hodkinson.

Keating, however, wants to stay an Eel and another strong display against the Knights would almost certainly see both parties move quickly to sign off on his contract renewal.

However, Wentworthville hooker Anthony Mitchell may not be at the club next year. With the Eel's already committed to Jeff Robson and Matt Keating for 2011, Mitchell is a strong chance of being lured to another club.

"You are entitled to your opinion Clint, but Mahoney's passing is one area where he outranks Smith if there is one. Mahoney has one of the best passes in the competition for a Hooker. Smith's passing is good, it is clean and can make the necessary…"

Replies

David June 17, 2010 at 4:57pm

Can't be that hard to sign Mitchell can it? As long as we don't lose Horo, I'm fine though.
big black guy June 17, 2010 at 5:00pm

why persist with Jeff Robson???

FUCK ME DEAD!
- YDIDISAYIDO > big black guy June 17, 2010 at 5:59pm
  
  For now he's the best 9 at the club.
JJM June 17, 2010 at 5:37pm

resign kris keating, release matt keating & mitchell & sign up anthony watts

Def resign Horo
Tinkerbell June 17, 2010 at 6:02pm

Thank you so much for this blog 1Eyed!

As I previously mentioned, my faith in the Eels recruitment has not been shaken until this point and was confident that Krippy would not be let go unless there was good reason.

I am sad about the Mitchell news though! He is my favourite Wenty player!!

It is good news about KK though and I am so pleased - especially because he seems so loyal to the Club! :-)

I may throw a party if he resigns - Jamesy, you're not invited!! :-D
- Tinkerbell > Tinkerbell June 17, 2010 at 6:03pm
  
  Sorry - make that re-signs!! :-D :-D
GO EELS June 17, 2010 at 7:00pm

Surely something can be done to keep Mitchell. If we do sign Watts & I hope we do surely a Watts & Mitchell combination would be more enticing than the current Robson/ M.Keating duo. The fact that Tom Humble is getting a start in front of M.Keating makes you think the coach is thinking the same way. I dont think Robson can be looked at as a long term option at 9. Very pleased to hear about the news on KK.
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" June 17, 2010 at 7:25pm

The sooner the better off we will be.
Could be the start of some stability in the halves
timbodavo June 17, 2010 at 7:40pm

Offload MK, he a waste of money, space, air and time
Barra Eel June 17, 2010 at 10:37pm

Mitchell is gonna be a damn good player from what ive seen of him in toyota cup and Wenty.
Hope he doesnt go. Surely we can scrape something together to offer him somethn. I cnt see Robbo playing beyond 2011 for us as a serious 9. Same goes to MK. By the way hows MK doin in Wenty? heard hes doin alright.
Anyway. Maybe we are securing Watts for the number 9. Its the only reason i could see parra not keeping Mitchell. It Cnt be so that we can keep Robbo and MK there. I know there singed till 2011 but robbo is on very little. Its only 1 more year for the both of em.