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New Eels boss Stephen Kearney wants to sign former Manly halfback Matt Orford
Kearney has unveiled his immediate recruitment plans for Parramatta after gaining assurances from the Eels board that he has total control of football operations.
Kearney made it clear he was keen on signing veteran halfback Matt Orford and said he also wanted to re-sign controversial centre Timana Tahu.
Having accepted a three-year deal with the Eels, Kearney also revealed he had already spoken to senior players Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh and Fuifui Moimoi about next season.
Kearney said he would be prepared to combine Jeff Robson and young Daniel Mortimer at the scrumbase again next season, but felt the experience of Orford would be invaluable at the club.
Orford remains under contract to English club Bradford but is homesick and wants a return to the NRL.
The Eels though may have to pay the Bulls a $200,000 release to sign Orford, the 2008 Dally M Medallist.
"I know Matt really well from his time at Melbourne," Kearney said.
"He is keen to come back to the NRL. It is something we've got to work through."
Kearney and Orford had a scheduled meeting yesterday but the plans fell through. "He is in Bali," Kearney said.
Tahu is off contract but is likely to remain at the club.
Before accepting the job, Kearney told Parramatta directors he would not tolerate boardroom interference and that they had to accept he was the man in charge of football operations.
"One of the key points in making this decision was that before we came to any agreement I needed to have that assurance," Kearney said.
"So I met with the board and expressed that I needed to be in control of the football side of things, and I felt very comfortable once I left that board meeting, that I will have that.
"As a footy coach I don't think you can operate any other way. They have given me the role of looking after the football team.
"That's part of my responsibility - they need to let me be able to do that."
Parramatta CEO Paul Osborne refuted suggestions that Kearney's job could be in jeopardy if Parramatta finished 12th next season - as they did under Daniel Anderson this year. "He has a three-year contract," Osborne said.
Reminded Anderson had an identical deal, Osborne added: "I am confident Steve will be here long-term."
Asked if he was confident of surviving his full term, Kearney said: "I plan to. That's the way I like to look at it. It's not written into my contract but I am looking to fulfil my obligation.
"I am just focused on doing a great job and I am confident in my abilities."
Kearney arrives at Parramatta with a reputation of being fair, tough and intelligent. "I have had initial discussions with Nathan Hindmarsh, Jarryd Hayne and Fuifui Moimoi," Kearney said.
"I spoke to Jarryd last night and Nathan last week. For me it was very positive. They are looking forward to a new start, if you want to call it that."
Kearney wouldn't speculate on where the Eels could finish in 2011, saying: "I haven't thought that far ahead."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/why-we-want-the-ox/story-e6frexnr-1225935191605