Delaney given chance to star in pivotal role for Eels
February 8, 2006
BRETT Delaney, last season's two-game rookie in the centres, has the inside running to start the season at five-eighth for Parramatta after being named to play there in a trial on Saturday.
Eels coach Brian Smith last night said Delaney was not a makeshift selection in the key role for the game against Melbourne in Ballina.
John Morris, last year's regular five-eighth for Parramatta, is likely to miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery from a pectoral injury, meaning Smith has to establish a serious alternative during the pre-season.
He has given Delaney first shot in a team that is a mix of experienced first-graders and promising youngsters. "We thought Brett was terrific in his two games in the centres last season and his development has continued during the off-season," Smith said.
"I'm really excited about his potential, but it would obviously be hard for him to break through on a regular basis in the centres with Ben Smith and Timana Tahu there, so we're going to give him a shot at five-eighth while John Morris is out.
"What happens in the long term will depend on how Brett goes and how John goes when he is fit again, but competition never hurt anyone. Brett's got a junior background at five-eighth and lock and I'm pretty confident he'll handle it. I'm going to give [forward] Dean Widders a go at five-eighth during the trials as well."
Smith is preparing for his 10th and final season with the Eels. The club made a decision during the off-season to try a new coach after Smith's contract runs out at the end of this year and subsequently appointed current Newcastle coach Michael Hagan to succeed him.
Smith had not spoken publicly since last season ended and when asked if he was prepared to discuss Parramatta's decision, he made clear his preference to simply get on with the job.
"I'm happy to talk to anyone who wants to ring me to talk about footy," Smith said. "I'm not interested in talking about individuals, including myself."
