PARRAMATTA’S change of management could prove to be the lucky break that saves controversial forward Kenny Edwards’ Eels career.
Two years ago, the Parramatta problem child was told by the club’s previous management he would be sacked if he was involved in another off-field incident.
Yet it remains to be seen if the new Eels bosses will adopt their predecessors’ hard line stance and sack Edwards, whose NRL suspension for a domestic violence charge is expected as early as Thursday.
Edwards pleaded guilty to a common assault charge on Monday as it emerged in court he had sprayed water in the face of his former partner on December 11, then later poured raspberry vodka over her and her bed.
Eels boss Bernie Gurr confirmed he would resume talks with NRL integrity boss Nick Weeks late on Wednesday, and hoped to reach a “fair and reasonable’’ punishment by Friday at the latest.
Edwards pleaded guilty to common assault earlier this week.It is understood Edwards will miss anywhere between one and three months, which will be a huge blow for Parramatta looking to bounce back from a horror 2016 campaign.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Edwards was told at a tribunal hearing midway through 2015 he was on his last chance after he had provided a urine sample on behalf of teammate Kaysa Pritchard.
He was slapped with a nine-month ban.
A year earlier, Edwards was also hit with a two-match ban after he assaulted a fan on the Gold Coast.
Fed up with his antics, club officials made it clear to him they would not tolerate any nonsense a third time.
The NRL integrity unit will take into consideration Edwards’ growing track record when they sit down with the Eels to thrash out the finer details of the penalty.
Edwards has been stood down indefinitely by Parramatta.
When Edwards’ ultimatum was raised with Gurr, he told The Daily Telegraph: “I can’t comment on what was said previously. I don’t know what was said to him by prior management.
“All I can comment on is I spoke with Nick Weeks yesterday, and we have agreed to have more dialogue later today. I know this is very much on his radar.
“We’re hoping we can reach an outcome by the end of Friday.
“We’ll try and work out what is fair and reasonable.’’
Gurr only came on board at the club last year after five top-ranking officials were axed for their role in the shocking salary cap rorts.
Parramatta were docked 12 competition points for cheating the cap, which was just part of a nightmare campaign for the western Sydney club.
Edwards could miss anywhere between one and three months if he escapes the sack.The NRL were keen to resolve the matter before the season kicks off tonight when premiers Cronulla host Brisbane.
Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis said while Edwards’ case did not involve physical violence, the act was still ‘’demeaning’’.
Tsavdaridis said the 27-year-old needed ‘’management and oversight rather than a conviction and punishment’’.
Edwards’ former partner, Madison Campbell, did not feel the need for an apprehended violence order to be put in place.
Edwards told reporters outside Parramatta court: “I just want to apologise to my young family, to my club and to the NRL but I’m a positive person and I can only move forward from here.
“I just want to move on with my life and I look forward to this year.’’
The Eels kick off their campaign against Manly at Lottoland on Sunday afternoon.
Winger Semi Radradra will front court for his own domestic violence charges on May 2.
Replies
Well we can all see who would have 'leaked this' to the media...former board members. I find it laughable media are saying he could miss anywhere between a month and 3 months.
Well to be fair...
PARRAMATTA forward Kenny Edwards was already on his final warning f...
Mitchy, have you read the article? Kenny was on his last warning following the earlier issues, Leaks, I think it is more than just a leak and conspiracy by former board members, as it actually says more than was known. I think the club is working to help him, and that is only good, at his age he should have a bit of brain use rather than damaging it further.
Probably the same warnings as J Roberts....
I agree Col, but i still assume old members have things to pass on. Yes he should know better, but i also believe it was hardly the crime it is being portrayed; Roberts was also booted from NRL clubs and seems to have more lives than others. My issue is consistency, let alone transparency from the NRL.
No arguement from me on that except the simple aspect is that he was on notice, way I read it is that Bernie has looked into Kenne's record and no doubt seen the former penalty and decision and no choice but to stand him down owing to Kenny's guilty plea, now its up to the interview with Weekes.
My original thinking was he would get a Terepo type punishment but it could be a bit more, maybe 2-4 weeks with a larger fine, and would be on a final notice.
What is read and said in papers can be either too much or not everything is revealed. Sometimes the larrikin aspect in people can come out and be their worst enemy. Which I think has happened here.
Yes mate i thought 2-4 with part suspended sentence and fine. Nothing would surprise me now, but I at least have some faith with Gurr, and not the NRL. The issue seems to be consistency.
Pearce last year and his indiscretion - stupid act etc and he copped it, yet others 'due to lack of evidence' do not.
Col i also add the drugs ruling that NRL and AFL have both seem v lenient IMO.
I think you need to relax Mitchy and let Burnie handle it. The way he handled the Peni Terepo matter was spot on and I expect no different in this case. Also I don't see the point in comparing Kenny with James Roberts or Mitchell Pearce or whoever else has played up. All the facts pertaining to Kenny and his past I imagine will be taken into account and the appropriate punishment delivered. How other clubs or the NRL have dealt with different players is irrelevant. Having said all this, I expect the penalty to be severe so nothing would surprise me.
Thanks Adam for those words; my RHR is always good at 55/60.
I do think its relevant Adam, its about being consistent, and if you read that I have faith in Gurr then you would note that mate. Roberts has a superb history.
I know consistency is important but every case is unique and has to be dealt with on it's merits. Roberts does have superb history and I suspect the Broncs are fairly disappointed with what he has done for them on and off the field.
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