Why are Parramatta taking so long to name next coach?
Parramatta were brave and committed in going down by eight points to Newcastle on Saturday. With a touch more luck and a 50-50 call here or there, the Eels may have returned down the M1 with the two competition points.
But they don’t give out prizes for trying hard. The stark reality is it was another loss for the blue and golds. They have dropped four of their five games since punting coach Brad Arthur and sit rock bottom of the table.
The wooden spoon remains a distinct possibility. So with all this going on, why on earth is it taking so long to employ a new coach for 2025?
Everyone knows who’s on their shortlist – it’s a three-way battle between Jason Ryles, Josh Hannay and Dean Young – so what’s the hold up? Parramatta powerbrokers say the Origin period and club commitments have made catch-ups with the candidates difficult, but Arthur was sacked on May 20 – a lifetime ago in rugby league terms.
Every week that ticks by without a decision just makes it that little bit harder for the bloke they eventually go with. Planning and roster shaping for the next season is vital for a club running last and all of that is on hold at the Eels. Just look at Wayne Bennett and the work he’s been doing ahead of his return to Souths. Hurry up, Parra.
Andrew Johns call comes off as Will Pryce stars on debut
Andrew Johns resisted the urge to tell Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien “I told you so” after Will Pryce’s stunning debut for the Knights in Saturday’s vital win over Parramatta. But he must have felt like it after being fully vindicated in his assessment of the young Englishman.
After the Knights’ round 13 loss to Canterbury, Johns said: “They have to put Will Pryce in next week. There might be deficiencies in his game, but they have to do something.” O’Brien responded: “I think Will’s still learning the game out here to be honest. I don’t know how many games Joey has watched of NSW Cup, but he (Pryce) hasn’t had many back-to-back good ones.”
That brought a rebuke from Matthew Johns, who told O’Brien: “Adam, it’s Joey Johns. The name’s on the grandstand. Heed the advice. When Andrew Johns talks, people listen.”
When the coach finally did listen, he was rewarded with an outstanding performance from debutant Pryce and halves partner Jackson Hastings. They tore the Eels part in a terrific Newcastle display.
“Will Pryce complements the way Jackson Hastings plays and it showed (on Saturday night) the way they played as a team,” Joey said after the victory. “He’s only going to get better and better. He’s raw but geez he’s a player. He’s got some swagger. It was a great performance. He’s a player and a half. They’re the halves move moving forward, without a doubt.”
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