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Eels contemplating Noddy
David Beniuk
July 9, 2010 - 5:39PM
Parramatta are considering an NRL swansong for Brett Kimmorley, with the veteran half ironically a chance of becoming young playmaker Daniel Mortimer's on-field tutor.
In a scenario which almost played out at Canterbury before Mortimer rejected an offer to stay with the Eels, Kimmorley is being discussed by the Parramatta hierarchy in the wake of current Eels Kris Keating (Bulldogs) and Feleti Mateo (Warriors) jumping ship.
Keating's decision to join Canterbury, who will also have halves Trent Hodkinson, Ben Barba and Ben Roberts on their books next year, has virtually ended Kimmorley's chances of playing on with the club in 2011.
The 33-year-old could slot into a coaching role but had previously indicated he wished to go around for a 17th season.
"We're having a look at him," Eels chief executive Paul Osborne told AAP on Friday.
"We're just looking at what our options are.
"Halves are an issue for us and he's someone that's been discussed but only been discussed, nothing further."
Osborne conceded Mortimer, who has struggled to regain the stellar form of his debut year, would benefit from some on-field tuition.
"It would be great if we got someone that could help him," Osborne said.
"He's a terrific player but I think someone mature outside of him or inside him would certainly help his game."
Parramatta are close to needing a miracle run similar to last year after five losses in their last six matches.
The Eels could theoretically also offer Kimmorley an off-field role beyond 2011 after coaching consultant Andrew Johns was cut loose following the racism row with centre Timana Tahu.
Meanwhile, Kiwi enforcer Steve Matai has given Manly until Monday to get serious or watch him join one of two NRL or three Super League clubs chasing his signature.
"Now they are just stalling and I need answers so I can sort out my future," NZPA quoted Matai as saying.
"It's disappointing because I am apparently not a priority for them ... I can't wait until the end of the year when clubs have signed up players and have no room."
Matai's manager Gavin Orr said the crash-tackling centre would either sign with the Warriors, another unidentified NRL club that had made a "quiet" offer or one of three UK clubs if the Sea Eagles' deal was not acceptable.
"We've given the Eagles 'til Monday to let us know where he stands otherwise we'll make our decision on Monday," Orr told AAP.
Orr said Manly did not expect Matai, who took six seasons to reach 100 games because of injury and suspension, to take a pay cut.
"They've just got cap issues like everybody else when they're dealing with players at that level," he said.
"He's only 25 so there's probably another four or five years there at Manly or another NRL club for him to play.
"He's one of the top centres in the game at the moment and, when it comes down to players of that (level), every club's got to do their numbers."
The Warriors have offered Matai a two-year deal after losing former Australian Test centre Brent Tate to North Queensland.
They have also signed Eels back Krisnan Inu and are reportedly circling Melbourne forwards Adam Blair and Brett White.
This story was found at: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/eels-contemplating-noddy-20100709-103ui.html
David Beniuk
July 9, 2010 - 5:39PM
Parramatta are considering an NRL swansong for Brett Kimmorley, with the veteran half ironically a chance of becoming young playmaker Daniel Mortimer's on-field tutor.
In a scenario which almost played out at Canterbury before Mortimer rejected an offer to stay with the Eels, Kimmorley is being discussed by the Parramatta hierarchy in the wake of current Eels Kris Keating (Bulldogs) and Feleti Mateo (Warriors) jumping ship.
Keating's decision to join Canterbury, who will also have halves Trent Hodkinson, Ben Barba and Ben Roberts on their books next year, has virtually ended Kimmorley's chances of playing on with the club in 2011.
The 33-year-old could slot into a coaching role but had previously indicated he wished to go around for a 17th season.
"We're having a look at him," Eels chief executive Paul Osborne told AAP on Friday.
"We're just looking at what our options are.
"Halves are an issue for us and he's someone that's been discussed but only been discussed, nothing further."
Osborne conceded Mortimer, who has struggled to regain the stellar form of his debut year, would benefit from some on-field tuition.
"It would be great if we got someone that could help him," Osborne said.
"He's a terrific player but I think someone mature outside of him or inside him would certainly help his game."
Parramatta are close to needing a miracle run similar to last year after five losses in their last six matches.
The Eels could theoretically also offer Kimmorley an off-field role beyond 2011 after coaching consultant Andrew Johns was cut loose following the racism row with centre Timana Tahu.
Meanwhile, Kiwi enforcer Steve Matai has given Manly until Monday to get serious or watch him join one of two NRL or three Super League clubs chasing his signature.
"Now they are just stalling and I need answers so I can sort out my future," NZPA quoted Matai as saying.
"It's disappointing because I am apparently not a priority for them ... I can't wait until the end of the year when clubs have signed up players and have no room."
Matai's manager Gavin Orr said the crash-tackling centre would either sign with the Warriors, another unidentified NRL club that had made a "quiet" offer or one of three UK clubs if the Sea Eagles' deal was not acceptable.
"We've given the Eagles 'til Monday to let us know where he stands otherwise we'll make our decision on Monday," Orr told AAP.
Orr said Manly did not expect Matai, who took six seasons to reach 100 games because of injury and suspension, to take a pay cut.
"They've just got cap issues like everybody else when they're dealing with players at that level," he said.
"He's only 25 so there's probably another four or five years there at Manly or another NRL club for him to play.
"He's one of the top centres in the game at the moment and, when it comes down to players of that (level), every club's got to do their numbers."
The Warriors have offered Matai a two-year deal after losing former Australian Test centre Brent Tate to North Queensland.
They have also signed Eels back Krisnan Inu and are reportedly circling Melbourne forwards Adam Blair and Brett White.
This story was found at: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/eels-contemplating-noddy-20100709-103ui.html
