Parramatta Moves Forward - the Investment, The Changes and The Appointments - Eels Blogs

Starting with the obvious, when the 2013 season concluded the Parramatta club was in a dark place. We had just been handed consecutive wooden spoons and our coach had walked away from a multi-year contract. The extensive junior base was not developing enough quality players for our NRL team. Our training base was Richie Benaud Oval and our staffing and facilities were lagging behind almost every other club. Corey Norman reported that he was shocked when he arrived from Brisbane and was faced with a set up that was vastly different to the one he had experienced in Brisbane.As the newly appointed coach, Brad Arthur faced a monumental task. The supporter base had rightly become disillusioned, the factional fighting around the board was disruptive and the playing group was almost completely inherited. Nearly 30 years without success had occurred for a reason and it was not going to be fixed overnight.Here's the steps that have taken place as I've seen them:Step 1. Earn respect back on the field and change the attitude and culture in the playing group. No, we haven't achieved a finals finish in the last 2 years, but the team has a genuinely competitive resolve, even in the face of losing the games best player and sustaining a horrific injury toll. Furthermore, they really do play for the coach.Side note - I have an anecdote from the Ken Thornett Medal that I hope that Danny Wicks won't mind me sharing. During a conversation with Danny I asked him to forget that I was a Parra fan and to tell me what was good about being at the Eels. He looked at me with what I would describe as his serious game face and pointed at Brad Arthur, saying "that bloke over there!" He went on to detail that BA was the reason that he came to the club, that he was the best coach he'd played under and so on.Step 2. Appoint the staff that will take the playing group forward. The inherited staff all had the opportunity to prove themselves but the need for change and unity in purpose was apparent.With a hat tip to the club for providing the additional funding to the football department, here's what we are now seeing.1. Team coaches - Unity of Purpose* Joey Grima (NSW Cup) - with a background at Parramatta and further top level experience in England, Joey comes to this appointment with a "get the job done" attitude and reputation. His ability to develop the juniors will be utilised as part of his role. His coaching philosophy is on the same page as Arthur's and they will work brilliantly as a team.* Luke Burt (NYC) - having completed a two year apprenticeship under BA, Burt is ready to control his own team. Importantly he understands what BA is looking for in the development of our young players. I can't stress this enough. The focus on coaching the individual player to achieve his potential is paramount. It's what BA is looking for in his coaching staff.* Nathan Cayless (SG Ball) - like Burt, Cayless has completed his apprenticeship this year and understands the current coaching philosophy.What we are looking for is for a team of coaches with common goals. There can be no mixed messages with the players as they progress through the grades. This has been addressed.2. Support Staff* Jarrod Wade (ex Geelong and Essendon). New Head Strength Coach.* Craig Sultana (ex Melbourne Storm) New Head TrainerFitness has been identified as an aspect that has needed improvement. Devlin has done a brilliant job with our full time squad, but our lower grade players needed improvement and the new interchange rules will place new demands on players. We aim to be the very best in our preparation for next year.3. Specialists* Craig Crossman (ex Manly) Video Analyst* Brett O'Farrell (ex Wallabies staff) Tackle Technician4. Medical Support and Player RecoveryI know that this is being overhauled and that 2 new physiotherapists are being appointed. If anyone can add more specific details it would be greatly appreciated.Step 3. Continue to Plan for the FutureThis process has always been about setting up for long term success. Brad Arthur is at the club he has always wanted to coach. He wants to be around for a long time. He intends creating long term success. Recruitment of players, with both Anderson and Sharp playing key roles with Arthur, looks beyond the next year. We are seeing players having to prove themselves on short term deals before being offered long term contracts. These are a great success already.The club, for all its issues, has committed to providing the football department with a training facility at Old Saleyards that can develop into the very best in the NRL. There is still much more to be completed at the venue but the playing surface is light years ahead of Richie Benaud Oval and probably the best training pitch in the league.Results will be essential next year to keep the fan base happy. However, the investment and selective appointments that we are witnessing in the football department are a genuine step forward in making The Parramatta Eels the successful club that it needs to be. Its long overdue, but it's happening.

Great read an agree. Everything is on the way up, although many judge purely on-field results, we have for so long been lacking in off-field areas that have affected results. It appears (for now) that we have a relatively stable board, and are putting the right people in the right areas. Improvement is occurring in the roster, coaching, fitness, training facilities, stadium, and leagues club. BUT this is also the crucial stage. We can create a long tenure of success if and ONLY IF the political rubbish stays away as it has. That is the only way we won't get back to glory. Otherwise it will happen. It may take a few more years but the foundations needer to be rock-solid given our past 5 years. Fans just need to realise that success will happen, but these things must be done in order for it to happen. At last the short-term fix mentality is gone!

"Sounds like this is something that Melbourne proposed and Parra didn't consider it an option, especially given the concussion issues Matto is currently going through."

"only really worry this season is our outside back yardage. Lomax was one of the best in that regard and people also don't remember that Brown gave us an easy 150m a game from 5/8 which will be hard to replace this year
"

Replies

Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 September 29, 2015 at 3:11pm

I massive thumbs up to everything you've said on this blog.
You've nailed it.
- sixtiesboy > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 September 29, 2015 at 3:17pm
  
  Cheers Chief. I'm pleased with these developments. Results are essential and they are expected. All of the parties involved are aware that we need to see on field results in 2016.
Hugo September 29, 2015 at 3:12pm

All good. Even though we say this every year......can't wait till the season starts.
Hugo September 29, 2015 at 3:24pm

Is Craig Sultana appointment confirmed ?
he has been the head trainer at the storm for years ..would be a great appointment if true.
Kramerica September 29, 2015 at 3:25pm

Thanks for the update 60's - good read - more like an article than a blog post really :)

It's good to see some smart decisions being made and it's good to actually see some positive movement from the front office following some of what we have endured this year.

Hopefully we will see results pretty quickly.

I know it's a different issue but anyone who compares our 2016 side to our 2015 side and can't see significant (on paper) improvement seriously has no f*****g idea. That's not unicorn thinking, that's just common sense ffs. We have replaced Sandow with Foran.
- Jack > Kramerica September 29, 2015 at 4:10pm
  
  Something special is happening at parramatta, I can really see this team building and building to a premiership, I think the dark days are behind us and athur is finally getting the team he wants on the park!.
- sixtiesboy > Kramerica September 29, 2015 at 4:13pm
  
  Thanks for the comment K Man. I paid the penalty for the length of the blog. My iPad battery ran out whilst composing this blog the first time and I lost everything!
  I'm aware of the planning and importance behind the off field appointments. We are trying to put the best possible team in place to support and develop the playing group.
Kramerica September 29, 2015 at 3:35pm

Is that what I said????

I said we have replaced Sandow with Foran - which imo surely improves our side on paper..

What the "Farrrrrkkkkkk" is your problem darkie?

Why don't you tell me and everyone else what the f**k should be being discussed on here??

I don't need you belittling me, mate.
Alan Hunt September 29, 2015 at 3:41pm

They all seem really good appointments, but as Wiz has said we have heard it all before. Until we actually show something on the park i will keep the champagne on ice and the Unicorn in the stable.
The French Fullback #1 September 29, 2015 at 3:46pm

Great read an agree. Everything is on the way up, although many judge purely on-field results, we have for so long been lacking in off-field areas that have affected results. It appears (for now) that we have a relatively stable board, and are putting the right people in the right areas. Improvement is occurring in the roster, coaching, fitness, training facilities, stadium, and leagues club. BUT this is also the crucial stage. We can create a long tenure of success if and ONLY IF the political rubbish stays away as it has. That is the only way we won't get back to glory. Otherwise it will happen. It may take a few more years but the foundations needer to be rock-solid given our past 5 years. Fans just need to realise that success will happen, but these things must be done in order for it to happen. At last the short-term fix mentality is gone!

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Parramatta Moves Forward - the Investment, The Changes and The Appointments

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