Parramatta target ANZAC Day for New Stadium Opener

Source : Daily telegraphEELS TARGET ANZAC DAY FOR STADIUM-OPENERParramatta are hoping to open their new home with a blockbuster Anzac Day clash against the Wests Tigers next year, new chairman Sean McElduff has revealed.With the $300-million western Sydney stadium not due to be completed until April next year, the Eels are expected to be on the road for the opening third of the season.They want to usher in a new era with a bang by selling out the 30,000-seat stadium with what will be one of the highlights of the NRL calendar.“The delivery of the stadium’s out of our control but from all the reports I’m getting, it’s on time. We’ll get delivery of the stadium for that last weekend in April,” McElduff told AAP.“Based on all the information I’ve got, I’m as confident as I can possibly be (of that game).” Next season shapes as an important one for the club.After surviving this year’s disappointing campaign, coach Brad Arthur will enter the final year of his contract with the expectation of having his side in finals contention.Big-names Junior Paulo and Blake Ferguson bolster a roster that is now likely to also include two-time Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne.A review into the football department is expected to be finalised by the end of the month, but McElduff said the club had already identified holes in their current set-up.He admits they erred in opting not to immediately replace assistant coach Peter Gentle following his move to South Sydney last summer.And the Eels also chose not to appoint a head of football despite looking to fill the role two years ago, and will again advertise for one this week.In a week where Manly coach Trent Barrett has reportedly resigned due to a lack of support, the Eels also recognise their current facilities are sub-par.Plans to turn their Old Saleyards Reserve into a centre of excellence have failed, while their large pool of juniors hasn’t produced as many first-grade players as they would’ve liked.McElduff promised more money would be spent on the football department.“The review hasn’t finished yet but I can tell you that investing some more money in our facilities is one of the things that’s coming out of it,” he said.“Doing a better job with our junior development is another area.“It’s no secret that our junior teams, our Harold Matts and SG Ball teams have been really successful over the last 16 years.“We’d like to see more juniors coming through and playing in the NRL.“We need to make sure we’ve got the right development programs and the right pathways so that we give juniors every opportunity.”

"He signed with the Broncos first mate. But he couldn't start until Reynolds left (2027) so we picked him up for 2026. Otherwise he would have to stay in Melbourne. Everyone wins, except the Storm."

"I don't think they are as concerned about their reputations as some folk on here. I commented yesterday how good it is that it's all quiet since the beginning of November."

Replies

KENDOZA August 15, 2018 at 4:08pm

Less talk more action
- Minto Eel > KENDOZA August 15, 2018 at 4:18pm
  
  What happened to Stephen Kearney's junior pathways programme? l remember people were saying "The best thing Kearney left us with was the new jnr pathways programme".
  
  Serious question. What happened to it?
- Brett Allen > KENDOZA August 15, 2018 at 4:37pm
  
  I understand this is something that we've heard all before, and I get the cynicism, but the guy can't make it all happen overnight. Just because someone is communicating the plan, doesn't mean they aren't taking action at the same time.
  
  Talk & action aren't mutually exclusive.
  
  Let's give our new chairman some time before we crucify him.
Minto Eel August 15, 2018 at 4:33pm

Considering the state of NSW has been declared 100% drought stricken, l can't believe we aren't hearing any reports about the building progress of our stadium being ahead of schedule because let's face it, we haven't had many rainy days bringing work to a halt have we.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 15, 2018 at 4:41pm

Listen to this McEldope, what a dribbler.

All weve heard from him so far is.

We need to work on our juniors

We need a head of football

We needed somebody to replace Gentile

We need better facilities.

THANKS SCOOP! how much are they paying this fool to tell us what every blind dog can see months ago?

Myself and every realist here have been saying this for months.

I cannot believe people are impressed with this McEltwerp, hes just pointing out the blatantly obvious.
- Brett Allen > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 15, 2018 at 4:45pm
  
  Well what do you want him to say ?
  - Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Brett Allen August 15, 2018 at 4:49pm
    
    Brett, the review hasn’t even finished but yet he knows the outcome. The guys a freaking genius.
    - Brett Allen > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst August 15, 2018 at 4:54pm
      
      Well of course they know a fair bit of what the outcome of the review Bazza. What do you think the review is being conducted by the CIA and the board is just going to get a 40,000 page white paper at the end detailing all our shortcomings in one hit. The fact that we are even having the review is indicative of the fact that the club has a fair idea of the problems at hand.
      
      The whole point of the review isn't just to figure out what the problems are, but to canvas all stakeholders involved for their ideas on how we can fix the problems.
- Kramerica > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown August 15, 2018 at 5:23pm
  
  LOLOL - "McEldope" . . . . . "McEltwerp"
  
  McEldork?
Alan Hunt August 15, 2018 at 5:15pm

I have about as much confidence in this bloke as I do with Coral finally getting something right.