Eels out to poach Poore
By David Riccio | April 05, 2009 12:00am
THE future of certain Parramatta players is in doubt, with St George Illawarra prop Justin Poore in the sights of the under-pressure club.
After threatening his players with the axe following Friday night's 24-6 loss to the Roosters, Eels coach Daniel Anderson's interest in the off-contract Dragons prop suggests there is a lack of faith in his current forward pack.
"I will consider a lot of things going forward,'' Anderson said after Friday's loss. ``Winning doesn't guarantee your spot and neither does losing.
"I will have to have a look at what we need to do going forward.''
Anderson's Eels are among several clubs interested in Poore, with the Bulldogs, Broncos, Cronulla and two English Super League sides keen to sign him.
Ironically, Poore is likely to line up against the Eels next Friday night in what would be his comeback match from a broken hand.
And while the Dragons remain confident they can ward off their rivals and retain Poore, Parramatta officials may look to step up their bid following Friday's night's insipid showing against the Roosters at the SFS.
It was a performance that disappointed Eels champion Nathan Hindmarsh described as "hopeless''.
Poore's manager Todd Buckingham said his client would assess every option before determining his future.
"St George said they didn't want to do anything yet,'' Buckingham said.
"I think he'll stay, but we've got a bit of work to do.
"We've had a fair bit of interest for him from a few clubs in Sydney, including Parramatta and the Bulldogs, and a few clubs overseas.
"There are not many front-rowers coming off contract.
"I've said to him, if it gets done in round 26 then it gets done in round 26.
"It's not as though we'll have a problem finding a club.''
Poore is on the cusp of representative football and his growing standing in the game indicates he would command well over $200,000 a season.
