If Parramatta want to sit atop the pile come October 2015, then they have to act like it.
For too long now, has Parramatta acted like a small club. Shying away from going after big name players and falling back on the tried and tested local talent.
Admittedly, their economic situation in recent times hasn't helped but that is no longer an excuse.
The Eels, courtesy of the leaving of Jarryd Hayne, are now in a massive surplus.
They have made a number of signings, the biggest being Anthony Watmough; however a game-breaker is not amongst those signings.
They are solid players, building depth and plugging perceived gaps. But they aren't players who are going to deliver the Eels a Top 4 berth and challenge for the title.
There are rumours flying around that Folau is being courted for a move to the Eels for 2015 and one of the Manly halves in 2016.
If that is true then the recruitment department is doing the right thing. They are acting like a big club.
You only need to look at some of the recent Premiers, sides like the Roosters and Rabbitohs who contain stars across the park.
They're big clubs for a reason. They buy high quality players and they correctly manage their salary cap.
Parramatta's salary cap has been severely mis-managed in recent years. Large contracts handed to players either past it or severely under-performing. Long term contracts handed to promising juniors who either never cashed in on their potential or who spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.
It seems though, that side of financial mis-management has been dealt with.
However, it would be a near travesty should the club not look to do something with the cash they have for 2015.
At the very least they need to make it clear that they are looking for a marquee signing. Even if they get knocked back, they won't have left anything to chance.
If the club puts it's cards on the table and actively chases a big name signing, no one can hold that against them.
It's better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.
But acting like they're still the runt of the litter with little cash to spend will see them remain without that killer edge that delivers premierships.
Whilst they may be laughed at early on for simply "acting" like a big club, the more they say it and the more they follow through on their words, the more serious they will be taken.
And these standards must be kept up. Simply doing it once isn't enough. I firmly believe that this club is on the right track, but it must be maintained.
To quote Vince Lombardi "Excellence isn't a one time thing, you do things right all the time. Excellence is therefore not an act, but a habit."
The longer Parramatta acts like a big club and operates like a big club, the longer it will remain a Premiership threat.
Replies
Parra have never been arrogant - that annoys me. Take a look at Manly, most arrogant club, but successful. Hopefully Watmough can bring that big head attitude here.
It's not so much being arrogant, it's about going into the player market and being able to compete for a marquee player.
Maybe the beaches at Parra are rubbish compared to Manly. What lures a player besides money?
Coaching staff and facilities generally have an impact I'd expect.
Well Manly had raps on Arthur so he should lure a few more Manly players.
The reason we haven't been able to buy big is because we've had to spend more money on the #18-25 players in our Top 25. We neglected our junior base and what they can bring to the table, for years under Smith we were able to bring in a player if needed because we used our juniors properly. We've somewhat gotten back to that model, we're now seeing a steady progression from Under 16's through to the NYC and our first grade squad is going to benefit in 2 years time when we have players like: Joey Lussick, Josh Aloiai, Tyrell Fuimaono, Alex Twal, and Nathan Davis who if needed by the club will be signed on as these 18-25 positions in the first grade team. Generally we are going to get these players for cheaper because we already have them, instead of going out and looking to buy players from other clubs. I think the best case that we've had recently is Brendan Santi, touted as a top 25 signing we would have paid more to bring him across from the Tigers than we would have paid to keep on one of our juniors if we had any 20 year olds pushing through at the time.
The good thing for us though is that we're getting the facilities addressed. And I suppose if we start going to Seattle every year that'll act as a significant factor.
Yes it is a good thing we are addressing the lack of facilities.
I just don't get how going to Seattle every year aides the cause?
It's like having a dream that can never be a reality in wanting what they have got.
Going to the States wasn't just for training, it was a way to help broaden the Eels brand and build relationships. If you don't reinforce those relationships then they go nowhere.
Any more signings in the works for next year Bert?
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next