Chris Sandow has heard all the talk about Parramatta's interest in Daly Cherry-Evans. The Manly star is said to be earmarked as the long-term No.7 at the resurgent club – which is why Sandow wanted to make a point in their most recent clash.
"Cherry, he was a bit quiet in that game, and I stood out. Daly's a great player, he's been there and done that. That's the challenges I like, playing against the best. It showed that night when we beat the Eagles," Sandow said.
Earlier this year, the greatest Parramatta halfback of them all, Peter Sterling, suggested it would be better for both parties if the Eels and Sandow parted. There were times when the 25-year-old thought so as well.
"I did have thoughts about going back to Cherbourg but, having a strong mum in Rhonda, she made it all possible to come here and stay here at the Parramatta Eels," he said.
The decision to stick it out paid off, with Sandow earning the Ken Thornett Medal as player's player at the club's presentation night at Le Montage last week.
"The last time I got a big award was rookie of the year and I brought my mum as well," he said.
"I always love bringing my mum to special nights like this, she's the one that brought me into the world. I have to pay my respect by bringing her to things like this.
"It has been [a big year], there have been a lot of ups and downs in the past. I put that behind me now and I'm enjoying my footy again. Hopefully I will get an opportunity again next year with the boys."
Since shifting from Redfern, Sandow has spent a considerable part of his Parramatta stint playing for feeder club Wentworthville. But after overcoming his personal problems, he has forced his way back into the top grade. In doing so, he has kicked more 40-20s than any other player in a single NRL season and provided as many try assists as man-of-the-moment Jamie Soward.
After all the talk of punting him, Sandow is now hopeful of extending his stay with the blue and golds beyond his last contracted year of 2015.
"I've grown into a real leader for the boys, we've got a young squad players here and I want to be a part of that," he said.
"Hopefully another big preseason and another big season could get me another contract here at Parramatta."
The diminutive halfback thanked coach Brad Arthur and his teammates for putting him into a position to claim the Thornett medal, an award he will "cherish for the rest of my life".
The Eels have further bolstered their roster for with the signature of Ben Crooks for two years. The son of former Balmain forward Lee Crooks, the Hull three-quarter has scored 19 tries in 18 games in the Super League this year.
"The next two years are a vital stage of my development, and the NRL has always been a goal of mine," Crooks said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Replies
He was ordinary last night dce with no forwards.
Even foran didn't do much.
I think the internal dramas off the field have been on the field for all to see in the past few weeks for the sea eagles.
Depending how ridiculous DCE's asking price actually is and knowing we won't win a premiership with Chrissy at the helm, I wouldn't say no to having DCE at the eels but would prefer Hunt at half the price or less. Can't see either leaving their current clubs though.
and knowing we won't win a premiership with Chrissy at the helm,
Where can we buy one of these Crystal Balls of yours Punk?
Normally you make reasonably intelligent blogs but man - I don't know what you are on but it certainly has affected your cognitive reasoning.
Behind a lousy pack Sandow has been one of the better halves this year.
DCE had a shocker last night, showed how hard it is for a 7 without a dominant forward pack.
I love Chrissy and love watching him play but i still doubt he is the sort of 7 that can lead us to a GF.
My guess it may have to do with Sefa not being there and Sandow having to play a conventional half back role with more responsibility and structure, not just the unpredictable glamour plays. If he can do that we have our half back right here. But a big ask from him.
If sandow wants to be a great player, his work ethic needs to be on the same level as his talent.
I do think that getting a former half to mentor chrissy would be good for his game as it allows someone to focus on chrissy and analyse his game and nitpick areas that need improvement.
IMO DCE last 55 mins was outstanding tried his butt off.
It starts and stops with the engine room. The half back supplies the polish mate.
If you don't agree watch that story of two halves from last night again.
Forwards getting pumped= DCE going missing. (Foran too BTW).
Forwards getting over the advantage line with quick play the balls= DCE controlling the game.
And they should've won if not from a little help from the ref at the end. Absolute disgrace of a rule.
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