Lane change? Frustrated Eels forward considers options
https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_144%2C$height_144/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/e96bb1894842377bd446b06367bcc490ecef25b8 2x" alt="Adrian Proszenko" data-pb-hidden="true" />By Adrian Proszenko
Star Parramatta forward Shaun Lane has meetings scheduled with rival clubs over the next fortnight, after failing to come to terms with the Eels, in a bid to resolve his future before the NRL season kicks off.
Lane was one of the buys of 2019 for the blue and golds after transferring from arch-rivals Manly. The rangy back-rower, off contract at the end of the 2020 season, averaged 110 running metres and 28 tackles a game, earning him the club’s Jack Gibson coaches’ award as best forward.
Parramatta have retained the nucleus of their squad having recently re-signed key players Dylan Brown, Maika Sivo and Michael Jennings, as well as extending the contracts of Oregon Kaufusi, Marata Niukore, Brad Takairangi, David Gower, Ray Stone and Andrew Davey before Christmas.
https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.496%2C$multiply_0.8862%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_355%2C$y_21/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/00e465fad1697d5566185fbfad6f81de3e9fd4a7 2x" alt="Eels forward Shaun Lane is a man in demand." />Eels forward Shaun Lane is a man in demand.CREDIT:AAP
However, Lane remains unsigned beyond this year and has told his management to finalise his future before round one to ensure negotiations aren’t a distraction during the season. The 25-year-old feels he hasn’t been made a Parramatta priority despite coming off a career-best season. He will explore his options if an extension can’t be brokered.
“I really enjoy playing under BA [coach Brad Arthur] and I believe this playing group can be really successful,” Lane said. “Unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything about my contract since late October.”
Lane, considered one of the on and off-field leaders at the club, could come into calculations for a Blues jersey if he reproduces his 2019 form.
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“Personally, I feel my best footy is in front of me and I am focused on putting my name in Origin conversations when selection talks comes around this year, so I don’t want any contract distractions,” Lane said.
Replies
Typical Adrian Proszenko beat up. Take 1+1 and tell everyone it comes out 35.
Surely we have learned from the other players we have resigned that these things are in motion. I’d suggest Shaun should talk to his manager more often.
I'll refer to my original comment.
Once upon a time - there was no drama with a player still having 12 months on his contract, it appears these days though that players wont back them selves, they go for a new contract 12 months out and if they sign with a new club they ask for a release or agitate for an immediate release. Just go back to the old days FFS. It seemed a whole lot more consistant back then.
There is more at stake for players these days, and clubs are more ruthless now than they have ever been before. Players want their futures secured sooner.
The eels management are certainly better equipped these days to deal with it. I suspect its more that Managers have changed and the more money they see if they can get their client/player an upgrade.
I understand it, but hell I dont like it. All these players across the NRL still having 12 month contracts to see out, signing with other clubs. Just not a fan of it, dont like it at all, especially when it is Manager driven.
As far as having their future secured, sure, but why not back yourself for the first 3 months, play out of your skin, get selected for origin or better still win a premiership for your current club, surely then your worth a heap load more money then just showing promise to do those things.
As has often been said, in years past players had jobs and footy was part time. That was only 39 years ago. When Blue Eel made his comment, I assume he wasn’t referring to 5 years ago.
And even so, it is still different because clubs are getting more and more ruthless in their player dealings. The days of farewell contracts for club favourites are over. Players want their futures sorted sooner rather than later.
That said, I do agree that the NRL us in dire need of an overhaul of its labour management practices. Where I disagree is that I believe the impetus has to come from the clubs, they own the league after all.
That’s a load of crap, Brett.
Contracts and money have always been as important, yes the amount of coin has changed, but the importance hasn’t. Decades gone, players still had families to look after, but managers having too much clout and the NRL allowing them too, have stuffed it. The contract window is needed drastically. Every player should be forced by law to see out the final year of their contract whether they and their current club want to move on early or not.
Some strength by the NRL is needed...so we are farked for some time.
What a dickhead he is to bring this up with barely 6 weeks to go until the season kick-off. Keep it behind closed doors and get your manager to do his job. Don't drag it through the media like a tool.
This is just him and his manager doing a bit of flexing, totally normal.
To be fair this isnt the first time eels players have come out in recent times and claimed exactly the same thing.
The clubs using stalling tactics so the players runs out of options by the time they get to the table, oldest trick in the book and ive got no doubt we are doing it.
Lanes probably between a rock and a hard place, hes been forced to look at other options and he's dirty about it.
Hope this will force the club into action.
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