Breaking News: NRL coach Stephen Kearney has been sacked from the Parramatta Eels club. The struggling club has recorded just three wins in the 2012 NRL season and look set for the wooden spoon.
Kearney has spent two season in charge with dismal results. Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo told Kearney of the decision today, with the club set to hold a press conference tomorrow.
It is unclear if the line from the club will be that Kearney has resigned or if he has been sacked.
The Roar understands that Kearney won’t be coaching beyond the game against the Melbourne Storm this weekend, and may not see out the game at all.
Kearney signed a three year deal in 2011, but won’t be given the chance to see out his contract, nor the rest of the 2012 season.
Ricky Stuart has been rumoured to be a replacement for Kearney, but no indications have been given by the Eels as to who will replace Kearney in the short or long-term.
However, recently appointed assistant coaches Chris Anderson and Brad Arthur are likely to take charge of the team in the short term.
StormGal
Guest
I'm really worried about this game. We all know what happens when a coach is sacked. That team usually wins!
81paling
Roar Rookie
Cleal was and is a fantastic unsung hero of Parra and now Manly, he has a talent of not only providing the best players to a club but the players that any competent coach can use, mould and work with in order to create a team that can play off each other talents. That was clear in 2008 when Parra were so good on their wings with Growthe, Burt, Inu (and even C Keating always on the move) who dominated the sidelines in that loss to Melbourne. Getting Noel Cleal back would not solve the clubs issue's but, working out why he left and sorting that out would go along way to solving the clubs issue's.
Www
Guest
This just in!! Kearney to coach nsw!! It's great to be a queenslander!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
If I were Parra, I would go after Rick Stone and Kearney could go to the Knights as he is mates with Bennett and they worked together with NZ.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
As expected the media have said Ricky Stuart is the right guy to take over....gee what a surprise! Can someone tell the media that Ricky's last 2 years track record at his last club the Sharks is the same as Kearneys at Parra - both horrendous. The difference is that poor Kearney wont get a leg up for a new job like Ricky.
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
Well yeah they were at their best in the 80s, but the game was very different back then. The last time they were a legitimate premiership threat, year after year, was when Cleal was scouting juniors from the Parramatta district and bringing them to the club. They did make the finals a few times in the years afterwards, but they were always a hit and miss team. When Cleal was there they were more consistent and didn't have to look at buying players as much.
Shark67
Guest
No to be picky but Parramatta were at their best in the 1980's. You could pretty much count on one hand how many good seasons they have had since that great period in the 80's. It is a shame to see Kearney go, as a coach can only do so much. Their roster doesn't have too many top class players but a few over rated ones, maybe the Eels should sack a few of them too. Surely in a district that boast one of the biggest junior catchments could find at least 10 good juniors to develop a year.
A1
Guest
Absolutely spot on! Parras problems are bigger than the coach!
Josh
Guest
Steve Folkes is the obvious standout for mine. Has 300 games fg coaching experience has worked at dragons and tigers as assistant last couple of years, made finals 7 yrs out of nine , premiership winner, dally m coach of the year, international sporting experience with west indies cricket ,. Would bring discipline, fitness and structure to the eels and improve the culture without all the issues that come with Ricky
Queensland's Game Is Rugby League
Guest
Parramatta were at their best when Noel 'Crusher' Cleal was their recruitment officer. The club started to go downwards when he went over to Manly, which is the same time that the Sea Eagles started to become a powerhouse. Cleal wanted to stay at the Eels.
p.Tah
Guest
I wouldnt be surprised if they recruited Cliffy to play!
Worlds biggest
Guest
No surprise however with 7 games remaining in the season are they looking at the assistants for the full time role ? Ricky Stuart seems the obvious stand out.
Morotti
Roar Rookie
Daniel Anderson was sacked by this board. Nathan Brown has a job next year coaching in the Super League. He got stood down by Huddersfield but he was moving at the end of the year anyway. Royce Simmons just got sacked so he is available. Brian Smith has been there already and was moved on. Jason Taylor might be in with a shot but we all know how well that worked out at the Rabbits. I think he is coaching 20's at the Roosters. Cliff Lyons? I know he is NSW Cup coach but other than that didn't realise he would be in the running. Steve Folkes is assistant at the Dragons but maybe. Dave Furner? Really? After years of under achieving at Canberra he is still there at present. If he got sacked no one would touch him.
Damn Straight
Guest
Haha, solid call.
Damn Straight
Guest
Hehe, nope i'm the ghost of Stan Zemanak.
von Neumann
Guest
I know hey! And they always do! Well until they are sacked. Someone has been telling Steven porkies. won't when he had the backing? When they were winning? (that time. Lol)
eagleJack
Guest
Kearney, Anderson, Hagan, Taylor and Smith all gone since 2006. Have they ever thought that maybe the problem isn't the coach??
p.Tah
Guest
Just read that Hindmarsh blew $200k on the Pokies in his early 20s. I guess in a round about way he paid for part of his own salary. Remember that clubs are part of the solution...
von Neumann
Guest
Oops, maybe not done. Remember Ricky stewart... Ha
von Neumann
Guest
Kearney is done effectively sack him so you can see what the assistant is like. What a funny club. wish they would get it right. Hindy is embarrassed surely