Hindmarsh tells Parra to pay up
By PETER BADEL
August 8, 2004
NATHAN Hindmarsh wants a pay rise and will consider Parramatta's fortunes next season before pledging his future to the embattled club.
Making an impact: Nathan Hindmarsh powers through the Newcastle defence this season. Picture: ROBERT McKELL
The NSW and Test back-rower found an ally in Eels legend Brett Kenny, who said Hindmarsh should receive $400,000 a season as one of the top six players in the code.
In a wide-ranging interview, Hindmarsh opened up to The Sunday Telegraph about the Eels' horrific season, which he rated the most challenging period of his six-year career.
The 24-year-old also spoke of his disappointment at the mass exodus of former team-mates, his desire to win a premiership and claims he is undervalued by the Eels.
Six weeks ago, Hindmarsh watched the club embark on a multi-million dollar recruitment drive, which netted Timana Tahu, Glenn Morrison, Mark Riddell and Paul Stringer.
It is understood Stringer is the lowest paid of the newcomers, receiving an estimated $220,000 per season, with the remaining trio each commanding between $270,000 and $350,000 a year.
Off-contract next season, Hindmarsh signed a four-year deal in 2001 worth a reported $250,000 a year.
But the tackling machine believes he is worth more and says his future in the blue and gold hinges on Parramatta's performances in 2005.
"Look, I can't complain with what I'm on, but I'd like an upgrade next year. That comes down to Parramatta in the end," Hindmarsh said.
"There's a rumour the new blokes have been signed to massive contracts, although I don't know how true that is.
"But when my contract runs out, I have to look at my future and see where I go. I'll be 26 next year and the next contract is the most important I'll sign in my career.
"It might be the last contract I ever sign, so I want to make the right decision.
"I'm hoping the club gets some results next year. I play rugby league to win a premiership and you wouldn't sign at a non-successful club, I'd have to look at the players they've got and the coach they've got before I sign anywhere.
"I'd like to remain an Eel for a long time, but we'll wait and see what happens. I'll play the cards I'm dealt."
Kenny, who played a record 265 first-grade games for the club, said Hindmarsh should be Parramatta's highest-paid player.
"The top blokes today are getting between $300,000 and $400,000 Nathan should be looking at the $400,000 mark," Kenny said.
"In my eyes, he is one of the top half-a-dozen players in the NRL. If Darren Lockyer and Brad Fittler are on $400,000, Nathan should get that too.
"Parramatta just can't afford to lose him but if they don't perform next season, they are pretty much going to lose him. If the Eels keep him, it's going to cost them a lot of money."
Hindmarsh's financial concerns, however, are not as pressing as Parramatta's dramatic freefall.
Three years ago, the club was smashing records on its way to the minor premiership and there was talk of a premiership dynasty. Now Hindmarsh could be a member of the first Parramatta squad in 32 years to claim the wooden spoon.
The competitor in Hindmarsh is hurting. He hasn't played a semi-final in three years, and has been gutted by the departures of several big names, headed by Jamie Lyon, Andrew Ryan and his brother, Ian.
"Since I started here in 1998, there's been the odd drama, but this year has taken the cake," Hindmarsh said.
"If you look at the squad we had on paper at the start of the year, we've been the biggest underachievers by far. That's not bagging the boys, but we've had a bad season.
"It's hard to accept the year is pretty much over for us, but we've got the spoon hanging over us so we have to pull our finger out."
The Sunday Telegraph
I'll be nervous all year until I hear that he resigns, that's if he resigns
