Semi Radradra:
As announced a few days ago, the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club has been advised by George Christodoulou, the manager of Semi Radradra, that Semi has accepted an offer to play rugby union for the Toulon Rugby Club for the 2017/2018 European rugby season, with an option for a second year being the 2018/2019 season. This option for the second season is in favour of Semi Radradra. The European rugby season operates from approximately August through May.
Semi has a court appearance on 13 February 2017. As advised previously to Semi and his manager, Semi will fulfil his 2017 Playing Contract with the Parramatta Eels as the Club will not release Semi from his 2017 obligations to our Club; accordingly, the earliest Semi could commence at Toulon is early November 2017.
In early December 2016 the Parramatta Eels indicated our wish to keep Semi at our Club by making a very attractive offer to Semi for the 2017 (upgrade of existing contract), 2018 & 2019 NRL seasons.
The offer from Toulon was substantially higher than our Club’s offer. We look forward to Semi being a most productive member of the 2017 Parramatta Eels playing squad and then we wish Semi well in his rugby union venture with Toulon.
The reality is that it is extremely difficult for NRL clubs to compete with the money on offer from European rugby union. This situation does not eventuate that often and so it is my opinion that our NRL game should not upend the rules and guidelines of our Salary Cap to accommodate these “one-off” situations. The long-term financial sustainability of our game and our clubs is a more important priority.
As a final point, I am very comfortable that our Club allowed Semi compassionate leave to visit his father in Fiji in November. We owe all our players and staff a high level of care and compassion - family comes first.
Kenny Edwards:
The allegation against Kenny Edwards is a legal matter and our Club respects the legal process. The charges are extremely serious and it is not appropriate for our Club to make any further comment. The next court hearing is expected to be in late February.
Vai Toutai:
Following a request from his management, our Club has agreed to release Vai Toutai from his contract. Vai was involved in an unsavoury incident that was thoroughly investigated by our Club. It is worth noting that, in the interests of complete transparency, our Club advised the NRL’s Integrity Unit immediately and kept them up-to-date during the entire process. The NRL Integrity Unit were in agreeance with the final outcome.
It is important to place some perspective around these situations and remember that we are dealing with young men and their families, with many complicated background issues often involved. While we make no comment regarding the potential outcomes of these cases, our Club continues to provide a high level of welfare to both our players, their partners and families. I have been very impressed with the quality welfare programs our Club has in place. Our Club has 3 fulltime staff members committed to leadership and welfare programs with our players.
New Contracts:
We are very pleased that
Tim Mannah, a wonderful Eels clubman, has re-signed for 2017, 2018 & 2019. Tim’s playing performance and leadership are invaluable to our Club.
In addition,
Clint Gutherson has also re-signed for the 2017, 2018 & 2019 season – great news. Clint has been one of our very best performers in pre-season training.
Salary Cap:
Our Salary Cap has been cleaned up over the last 6 months, with particular thanks to Jim Sarantinos, our Director from Ferrier Hodgson, Nikky Van Der Meer, our Club’s Chief Financial Officer, and Linda Mittiga, our Football Accountant. I am pleased to report that our Club is under the Salary Cap for NRL season 2017.
Commercial Partners:
We recognise that our “Parramatta Eels” brand has been damaged in recent years – it would be unrealistic not to realise this. This is particularly relevant in the corporate community, especially at a time when we are searching for a new Major Sponsor. Having said that, we are extremely optimistic about our future! We genuinely believe that the “new Parramatta” has a unique and compelling proposition to commercial partners here in western Sydney. The Parramatta Eels are still the clear “number 1” professional sports organisation in western Sydney by any metric and, with the Parramatta city being the economic hub of the exciting infrastructural development in western Sydney, we know that the Parramatta Eels are the ideal commercial partner for companies wishing to promote their businesses.
We are working diligently to secure a new Major Sponsor but it needs to be the right major Sponsor for our Parramatta Eels Club and so this process may take some time. We need to form a legitimate partnership with a reputable, strong company.
Western Sydney Stadium:
Furthermore, it was very exciting to hear the formal announcement from NSW Premier, Mike Baird, that the new Western Sydney Stadium is to be a reality. The demolition of our Parramatta Stadium will commence in January 2017 but, from the long term perspective, it is wonderful to know that our Parramatta Eels fans will be coming home in 2019 to the absolute best rectangular sports stadium in Australia. Combined with the $130 million developments at Parramatta Leagues Club, we will have a fantastic entertainment precinct. The game day experience at our new home will be awesome!
Membership:
I am pleased to report that our Membership numbers are well ahead of last year at the same time: we have 15,006 fantastic Members this year vs 12,201 last year, a 23% increase! Our fans are demonstrating their true passion for the mighty Eels!
Membership with Game Tickets is the best way for you to support our great Club, while simultaneously securing your place at the front of the queue for seating at our new home at the brilliant Western Sydney Stadium in 2019.
There are still great seats available at ANZ Stadium.
