Eels may punt on Mateo
By Barry Toohey
August 06, 2008 DESPERATE Parramatta are set to play one final trump card in a last-ditch bid to salvage their season with Feleti Mateo poised to return to the back-row for Sunday's clash with Sydney Roosters.
And it has also emerged that the Eels are attempting to off-load at least three contracted players in a bid to bolster their squad for 2009, with former hooker Brad Drew on the shopping list.
Coach Michael Hagan indicated that Mateo, who returned from injury on Monday night against the Knights, could find himself in the back-row against the Roosters provided five-eighth Kristopher Keating recovers from a sternum injury.
"That's something we are looking at, yes," Hagan said. "But it will probably hinge on how Keating is and whether he is right to come back."
Mateo has spent the majority of the season in the No. 6 jumper following the early season release of half-back Tim Smith.
At his best, he and scrumbase partner Brett Finch have been the two players most likely to spark a Parramatta revival.
But Hagan is desperate to ignite something within his forward pack, which has taken the bulk of the blame for the Eels' alarming slide this season.
Mateo will at least provide some attacking variety closer to the ruck.
While the Eels are still mathematically capable of figuring in the top eight, they have done nothing over the past six weeks to suggest they will.
Hagan says he understands the frustration of Eels fans, given the expectation at the start of the season.
"I'm just as frustrated with the situation that we're in as anyone, and so are the players," Hagan said.
"Unfortunately, there is no easy fix.
"Our attitude to defence, particularly on our own line, is something we have been talking constantly about.
"It was good against the Cowboys but against the Knights, we let ourselves down again."
Asked what was said to his team after the loss to Newcastle, Hagan said: "I just spoke to the players about how they wanted to finish the year off and for those leaving, how they wanted to finish up at this club.
"I just told them they all had decisions to make about how they wanted it to end. That's basically all there is to say.
"It's then down to the individual to decide how it's played out."
Hagan refused to confirm or deny suggestions the club is looking to off-load players to make room for some new signings for next season.
But he did confirm former Eel Drew could return home from England to play one final year at Parramatta.
"He is still contracted to Huddersfield so it's a matter of whether he is able to sort that out.
"At this stage, we will need a back-up hooker and he's still a smart operator who can play seven (half-back) as well so we are talking to his manager."
