Smith still under a cloud
By Josh Massoud
January 08, 2008
TIM Smith's management is set to discuss the errant halfback's reinstatement at Parramatta - notwithstanding the fact that his profile has been taken down from the club's official website.
Suspended indefinitely after successive drunken incidents last month, Smith will have a clearer idea of his future after agent, David Riolo, meets Eels officials.
Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald, now on leave, will not attend, but he refused last night to assure Smith's return.
"Nothing is guaranteed," Fitzgerald said. "At this stage it's still the same - he is suspended indefinitely."
The 22-year-old did not return to training with his teammates yesterday, but his absence from the Eels' website is perhaps more conspicuous.
Although contracted for another two seasons, Smith's bio and picture has been removed from the player profile page, reducing the NRL squad to 24 members.
Furthermore, his name no longer appears among the career statistics for the current group of players.
Although the Eels appear to have attempted to erase Smith from their plot of cyberspace, Fitzgerald explained the move as being in step with the playmaker's enforced leave.
"It's simply a matter that he has been suspended, so he is no longer on the website as player," he said.
Upon being suspended on December 14, Smith immediately returned to his childhood home on the Gold Coast to undergo daily rehabilitation for his alcohol problem.
Also understood to be suffering depression, Smith spent two weeks at the same clinic that helped fellow Queensland enigma Chris Walker overcome his off-field demons.
Smith's medical condition is expected to be discussed at today's meeting. Eels coach Michael Hagan and general manager Greg Mitchell will meet Riolo before reporting to Fitzgerald.
"Tim has completed his rehabilitation - so that's stage one of the process," football manager Andrew Hill said.
"The second stage is to hear more about his progress before we can decide anything."
The 2005 rookie of the year will be sanctioned later this month - provided he is not sacked - with a fine and behavioural agreement believed to be the preferred punishments.
Hagan could not be contacted for comment yesterday, but has publicly backed Smith's recovery bid.
Riolo refused to detail the evidence he will present on his client's behalf.
"We are just going in to have a chat and evaluate where to go from here," he said.
