Who is really responsible for the Eels disaster?
Roar Guru By ScottWoodward.me, 28 Mar 2012 ScottWoodward.me is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- 2012 NRL season, Jarryd Hayne, National Rugby League, NRL, Parramatta Eels, Rugby League, Stephen Kearney
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Do you think the Parramatta Eels would be traveling any better this season if their head coach was Wayne Bennett or Craig Bellamy?
Disappointed fans are calling for head coach Stephen Kearney’s removal after a winless start in 2012 and only achieving a 21.43 percent winning record since Round 1, 2011.
The Roar’s Luke D’Anello submitted an article in April, 2010 called, “The challenge of coaching without the cattle”, which underlined how two promising young AFL coaches, Damian Hardwick and Dean Bailey, will struggle “without the cattle”, or a poor and immature list of players.
Bailey has since been sacked but Richmond offered Hardwick a two-year extension after he had started his first season 0-9.
Results are relative, and the simple facts are that the Eels were expected to finish with the wooden spoon based on our professional ratings, but enthusiastic fans expected more. They certainly have been unlucky, losing their best player, Jarryd Hayne, when in a winning position against grand finalists, the New Zealand Warriors, in Round 2.
Kearney is also the current New Zealand coach and if he leaves the latest board meeting intact, you would expect he would resign as national coach to focus on the Eels. But the likable Kiwi can only do so much.
The Eels have a dysfunctional board that have a track record of making poor appointments. Bennett and Bellamy have always had the good fortune to coach under astute administrators who were able to lay a foundation for them to weave their magic.
Kearney inherited a mess, but he is in his second year at the club now and fans rightly had an expectation of at least some promise.
Kearney would have known that priority one was to find some halfs, so they went about looking for a Brett Kenny and a Peter Stirling. They came up with Bulldog discard Ben Roberts and forked out $550,000 for the Rabbitoh’s Chis Sandow.
A respected recruitment manager valued Sandow at $220,000, which is endorsed by this author, but arguably the Eels biggest concern is their stereotype forwards, who with the exception of Reni Matua, refuse to pass the ball. The backline is no better; filled with poor defenders, especially the right side that is cluttered with holes.
So who really is to blame?
The members vote in the board, and they appoint the chief executive, who is responsible for the coach and the coaching staff, including the all-important recruitment group.
If a club pays “overs” for a player like they have with Sandow and young William Hopoate (who is yet to play for the Eels due to religious duties), and they get it wrong, then their entire salary cap forces them to not be able to be competitive with other players.
Hayne will make a huge difference when he comes back from injury, but he is only one player from a list of 25, maybe it is the list who do not run out and play where the real problem is.
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March 28th 2012 @ 6:21am
peeeko said | March 28th 2012 @ 6:21am | Report comment
Scott, would you think that they actually paid 850k a year for hoppa jnr? it sounds ridiculous to me, then again i read it in the telegraph
March 28th 2012 @ 10:34am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:34am | Report comment
peeeko
he was part of a deal that included his younger brother and also a job for his father. Go figure!
March 28th 2012 @ 7:24am
Hk47 said | March 28th 2012 @ 7:24am | Report comment
Aliens.
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March 28th 2012 @ 10:34am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Hk47
expand?
March 28th 2012 @ 8:37am
The Barry said | March 28th 2012 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Kearney isn’t blameless here. A team playing with no heart or pride or teamwork is the coaches responsibility.
Their right side defence with Blair and Morgan was atrocious. Ok the cattle may not be much chop, but they didn’t know who should take who, when to come up, when to come in or how to work together. That’s the coaches responsibility.
You say the forwards don’t want to pass, when the Eels made their GF run in 09 it was on the back of brilliant second phase play created by their forward offloading. Guys like Hindmarsh, Moi Moi and Mannah who have barely thrown a pass between them this year were offloading like Beetson in 09. Coachs problem.
Guys like Hayne, Sandow and Roberts are dynamic players who make something out of nothing and would thrive in a less structured environment. Kearney’s tactics are strangling them.
The coach has to modify his gameplan based on the cattle he has, not just charge ahead regardless.
Bennett completely modified his game plan from his Brisbane days when he took over at St George. It’s probably not fair to compare Kearney to Bennett at this stage of his career but the point is that if the best there is modifies his game plan based on his cattle then Kearney would do well to do the same.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:37am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Baz
I agree with most of your points, except that I do not and have never rated Roberts and Sandow starting first graders in such key positions as 6 and 7.
No doubt the coach is a concern, but he certainly has had no help off the field.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:19am
Gareth said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:19am | Report comment
There are some things that can’t be coached, and some of those things are crucial to winning football games. Central to it all is mateship and the dynamics of how players interact – yet that’s something we never really consider when looking at our sportspeople.
Guys like Luke Burt, Justin Horo and Shane Shackleton all have mates. When they’re unceremoniously dumped in favour of youngsters and blow-ins, those mates are probably going to share their indignation and frustration with the bloke making those decisions. And that’s true of any workplace. If an honest, well-liked stalwart gets passed up for promotion in favour of the boss’s pet or a young go-getter – then you’d expect that workplace to suffer in terms of productivity. Deadlines will slip, people will call in sick more often, and start treating it as their day job rather than going above or beyond in any way.
A league team is no different, except that an elite sporting team requires most, if not all of its players to be enthusiastic and driven to succeed at all times.
The Parramatta side named this weekend looks nothing like the Parramatta side named in Round 5 of last year – Jarryd Hayne is the only common element in the backline, the forwards and interchanges have 6 common players, but only 4 in consistent position. Go back to 2010 and the difference is even more remarkable.
Even if these blokes don’t actively dislike one another, they’d be pretty unlikely to really know one another. And in the current pressure cooker, that process is going to be further complicated. There’s no way to coach people into being mates – but the club administration from the coach upwards is making some baffling decisions that are only going to make things even more divisive.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:43am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Gareth,
The coach has indicated that he favour the Polynesian boys and that will be even more stay next season as many caucasian’s will be punted. I am not suggesting this is a racial move but it is interesting.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:42am
Johnno said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:42am | Report comment
Jarryd Hayne. Ever since they paid over the top money for the Hayne train the eels have gone down hill. He was paid a ridiculous amount, which of course he has not delivered on, and he seems to be the problem at Parra.
I would really look at sacking Hayne at the end of the season. He is paid way too much. And they look like they are going to do the same thing again by trying to sign T-rex williams to a massive deal. And will T-rex be able to play like he i now for 3-5 years i don’ think so, these long term blockbuster deals are way to risky. Think Roy Asotasi at souths, and justin poore another big deal the eels lost money on.
The only big blockbuster deal that has worked i can think of was ben kennedy 5 year deal going to Newcastle. The knights got there money’s worth there. But BK was a man’s man and a true man of discipline and a natural leader of men. Hayne seems injured all the time and defiantly has not played like he did in 2009.
So i think the start of parra’s problem was spending big on Hayne then justin poore, who has not played state of origin since he went to eels.
The eels should look to sign seasoned players Petro or shane webke types, or brad clyde or gary parson types, or micheal weyman types or luke bailey types, . the type of har dons competitor with strong work ethics. Not flashy expensive players like Hayne, or T-rex. They also signed a risky deal with Daniel mortimer which they got out of somehow by him going to the roosters, another player of hype.
They should try and get kieren Foran spend big on him over T-rex. Your club’s priority in spending should always be on halfbacks, 5/8eiggths, and props.
Id also look to see if micheal Monaghan was off contract in the UK, he is a quality player the eels could use.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:46am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:46am | Report comment
Johnno
I am a massive Monaghan fan.
Let me say that Hayne is by far the best player at the club and without him they will run last. I would make him Captain. They need to sign Matua long term as he is the only forward who looks dangerous and can pass.
March 29th 2012 @ 10:25am
Gareth said | March 29th 2012 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Ben Kennedy was a very good player on the way up when the Raiders grew tired of his recreational activities. It’s not a big surpise that he fit in so well at the Knights.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:43am
Matt F said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Everyone’s partly at fault. They’ve gone through too many coaches recently so sacking Kearney won’t be a magic bullet. You can only go through so many coaches before you realise that the problems are also elsewhere.
The board is poor and the recruting staff have done a shocking job. Sandow cost way too much and they’d better hope that the new TV deal is as big as reported otherwise they’ve grossly overpayed for Hopoate as well. Actually gvien the fact he’ll spend two years out of the game and will take a while to get back to his best, if he even can get backt here, they’ve probably overspent there as well.
The playing roster is absolutely woeful as well. I know there were some experts that predicted the Eels to go ok this season, but I never understood why. Not even the Hayne of late 2009 could get this roster anywhere near finals contention. At their best they can be somehwat competitive with the decent teams and get wins against some of the other also rans. At worst they’ll get smashed by almost everybody.
But we can’t absolve Kearney from all of this. We can excuse last season to a point because he inherited that squad but he had a bit of money to rebuild last season and it doesn’t look like it went very far. Of course this is also the fault of the recruiting staff and the board (I highly doubt that Kearney did the financials of the contracts) but, from the outside at least, there doesn’t seem to be a clear direction in place for the Eels in the long-term. The tactics don’t look great. As Barry said above, if the forwards have stopped off-loading then the coach must have had an influence in this.
March 28th 2012 @ 10:50am
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 10:50am | Report comment
Matt
Hard to disagree with any of that.
My judgement of Keraney is that he is a great number 2 man who the players love. He is not strong tactically or strategically.
He has tried to copy Bellamy but that is hard when you dont have Cam Smith or Cooper Cronk initiating the offence.
March 28th 2012 @ 11:57am
Dan said | March 28th 2012 @ 11:57am | Report comment
They must keep hayne! Whoever thinks they shouldnt obviously doesn’t watch the game properly and I agree with you Scott that Reni matua is playing well. Ben Roberts, lasalo and matt keating are just way out of their depth, Casey McGuire should be there 80 min hooker and we all know a halfback can only do what his forwards allow him to do, the big boys need to stand up for sandow to have any sort of impact. Also it’s a long season I wouldn’t write anyone off yet (except the titans, there club is one big sh*t fight)
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March 28th 2012 @ 2:33pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 2:33pm | Report comment
Dan
I dont think Sandow is a first greade 7. Sorry.
March 28th 2012 @ 2:01pm
PLANKO said | March 28th 2012 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
Scott,
I agree that it is about time people realise that coaches do not make teams. You can guide a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. There is a million of these sayings. I don’t think Manly would have gone any better with Hasler either.
You valuation of Sandow with the current cap is spot on. Can you tell me what you reckon the DCE is getting . I think the 2 mil is exagerated. I reckon about 1.4 mil. Also what do you think they will need to spend to keep foran.
Mona’s what cracking idea …. he is so consistent well he was playing for the eagles. I have heard this form has translated into Super League. Another Option would be Orford I reckon he would play for 1k per week. Might be worth a go.
Sandow does not have it he reminds me of Soward. Bennett got Newcastle to run at Soward all day. Good luck Parra fans.
March 28th 2012 @ 2:36pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
Planko,
I think DCE is worth 800k a year. He is a first reciever and does not have a weakness.
Pls dont put Orford in the same sentence. I think Manly would be fine without Foran, but Cherry-Evans was a must have. I am a Foran fan, but he is a poor defender latterally and his kicking game is hot and cold.
March 28th 2012 @ 2:54pm
PLANKO said | March 28th 2012 @ 2:54pm | Report comment
Scott I don’t put Orford in wth DCE however for Parramatta he be worth the piddling he would expect…. Worth a punt ?
March 28th 2012 @ 3:23pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 3:23pm | Report comment
Planko
They have made enuff mistakes in recruitment without putting more good money after bad. Sadly they have made a lot of long term decisions so there will be no quick fix.
March 29th 2012 @ 9:09am
PLANKO said | March 29th 2012 @ 9:09am | Report comment
Ok thanks for your thoughts once again Scott…
March 28th 2012 @ 6:00pm
Gaz said | March 28th 2012 @ 6:00pm | Report comment
Planco it comes down to attitude and yes that is the coaches job to ensure their team has the right attitude. As far as not being able to make a horse drink is a famous saying I agree however look what Bennett did with both Weyman and Soward – gave them boith confidence, they were both useless as footballers now look at them. I am not saying it’s all Kearneys fault but the Eels attitude is not one of winning and that has to change before they get back on the rails again and who’s responsible for that do you reckon
March 29th 2012 @ 9:29am
PLANKO said | March 29th 2012 @ 9:29am | Report comment
I would disagree Weyman was not bought the cheap so he was rated. Soward was a first grade half that had made a grand final apprearance pre bennett. Bennett is a very good coach. But coaches are not worth more than your best player…
March 29th 2012 @ 2:12pm
Gaz said | March 29th 2012 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
Before Bennett and playing for the Raiders Weyman was a thug who was continully baited by his opposition and reacted accoringly spending long periods on the sidelines suspended. Soward was released by the Roosters mid season and the premiership he won was Jersy Flegg. Planko It’s not rocket science to see Bennett turned their respective careers around and game them confidence. Yes, the coach can make a difference, I beleive Anthony Griffin also has some ability, Keraney i9s under the microscope no doubt.
March 28th 2012 @ 2:45pm
Johnno said | March 28th 2012 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
I hear no Parra talk about going for cooper crank, even cronk at hooker would be good or at 5/8, and if sandow gets an injury or loses form put him at half back.
Cronk for the eels 2013.
And buy Mateo back if he is free
March 28th 2012 @ 3:25pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 3:25pm | Report comment
Johno,
I would value Cronk at 600k and Sandow at 220k so why would’nt he replace Sandow at 7? One guy is a team player and the other is an individualist, and an ordinary one at that.
March 28th 2012 @ 4:43pm
Matt F said | March 28th 2012 @ 4:43pm | Report comment
I think there would be a serious money issue involved. Sandow’s not just going to walk away from his contract so Parra would be spending a hell of a lot of money on two halfbacks………
Mateo is contracted until the end of 2013. Incidently he is from NSW. Origin prospect this year? Could make a great impact off the bench and can play in a few positions.
March 28th 2012 @ 5:45pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 5:45pm | Report comment
Matt
Your man Matua would be better off the bench I reckon and he is mates with Ricky Stuart as is Greg Bird, but the guy they would like is Tony Williams.
March 28th 2012 @ 6:44pm
Matt F said | March 28th 2012 @ 6:44pm | Report comment
Read it again Scott. Mateo not Maitua. We’re already far enough behind QLD without putting Maitua in the line up!
March 28th 2012 @ 8:18pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 8:18pm | Report comment
Matt
No I meant what I wrote.
I dont give Mateo no hope for SOO, but I do Maitua.
March 28th 2012 @ 8:32pm
Renegade said | March 28th 2012 @ 8:32pm | Report comment
Hahaha i’ve heard it all…..first Cherry-Evans is worth 800k and cronk 600k and probably the most out of touch comment i have ever heard – Maitua for Origin.
Mateo is by far a better player than Maitua and i don’t think Mateo will make the origin side but mate, If Maitua gets picked for Origin….i’ll get Scott Woodward tattooed on my forehead!!
March 29th 2012 @ 3:20pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 29th 2012 @ 3:20pm | Report comment
Renegade
Cronk signed this morn for 600k.
March 29th 2012 @ 3:34pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 29th 2012 @ 3:34pm | Report comment
Renegade,
What Mateo has against him is he is a poor defender and throws a lot a bad passes, two things you dont do in Origin. Mateo is an ex international and in career best form, and is sweet with the coach. Get the tat gun out!
March 29th 2012 @ 3:55pm
Renegade said | March 29th 2012 @ 3:55pm | Report comment
Scott,
In regards to the first point….i should have been more specific but i was in hysterics
What i meant was how on earth did you come up with DCE is worth 200k more than Cronk.
Cronk is worth $600k no doubt….DCE about 350-400 which i believe is what Manly have re-signed him for if not less.
Second point – i’ll get the tat gun out but i don’t think i’ll need it!!
March 29th 2012 @ 7:06pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 29th 2012 @ 7:06pm | Report comment
Renegade
Very good question about DCE & Cooper. let me explain why and I say this as a massive fan of Cronk.
I rate them both very close on organisation and communication, tactical kicking, long kicking and defence. They are both outstanding. DCE is more natural and could go pass Thurston where Cooper never will.
DCE is much more dangerous in offence:
Already this season he has made 18 tackle breaks compared to Cronks 6
In 2011 Line Breaks
DCE 9 CC 7
2011 Tackle Breaks
DCE 111 CC 37
Hope that explains it.
March 28th 2012 @ 3:31pm
steve b said | March 28th 2012 @ 3:31pm | Report comment
its not just this season parra havent been delivering .Kearney has had enough time to stamp whatever he has to offer on the team ,they are not happy with him no matter what is said in the media their not, he is not the right man for the eels and if the powers to be stick with him the same results will follow.Yes some players need to have fire lit under their arses but their is no unity in the team where you want to do it for your mate beside you. And at the moment they are playing like a bunch of blokes that have just been thrown together for a pub footy match. This is the coaches job to have everyone on the same page Kearney has had enough time to do this and hasnt delivered .
March 28th 2012 @ 5:48pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 5:48pm | Report comment
Steve
All true, but his recruitment people clearly do NOT understand footy. I have been blown away with some of their purchases and also some of the people they have let go.
2012 had no hope from the start. I dont know how much input he had into the recruiting, but whoever did have little idea.
March 28th 2012 @ 6:47pm
steve b said | March 28th 2012 @ 6:47pm | Report comment
I agree 100% Scott .I played all my jnr league in the area and have folowed them since age 7 and can remember some bad times but none quite as bad as this. We used to go to the games back in the seventies just to see if they could win one it looks like history repeating itself all over again. Back then they had no money whats their story now ?
March 28th 2012 @ 8:28pm
ScottWoodward.me said | March 28th 2012 @ 8:28pm | Report comment
steve
I would like to tell you that I see a light in the tunnel, but I cannot mate. If you are a member, and you should be, you must vote people onto the Board who are competent, as oppossed to loyal and live and breathe parra.
It is not rocket science; u get a competent board who appoint a top CEO and he appoints a top group around him. They should follow the John Ribot model who started Brisbane, the Storm and the Roar all from scratch.