http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ls-players-shown-the-exit-20130605-2nppz.html
Parramatta co-captain Reni Maitua is one of at least dozen players Ricky Stuart will move on in the biggest clean-out in the clubs history.
After just 12 rounds at the helm of the Blue and Golds, Stuart has made a call on the roster at his disposal and it spells the end for some of the clubs highest-profile names.
Fairfax Media has been told that Maitua, Matt Keating, Ben Smith, Willie Tonga, Ben Roberts, Cheyse Blair, Daniel Harrison, Nathan Smith, Pat OHanlon and Matthew Eisenhuth are among those on the chopping block. Some of those on the list have recently re-signed or are on contract for 2014.
Familiar scene: Parramatta players look dejected after conceding a try in 2013. Photo: Anthony Johnson
After years of underperformance including "winning" the wooden spoon last year the club has decided to act. In a letter to Eels fans and members, chief executive Ken Edwards declared it was time for the playing group to be "accountable" for the woeful results.
Advertisement
"In Rugby League, we are judged on the field by our performance and ultimately results," Edwards wrote.
"In recent times the Parramatta Eels have not fared well in either category. Our Members, Fans and Sponsors deserve and demand more than what we have achieved and today the Eels declare that enough is enough.
"This morning, with the full support of the entire Eels organisation, head coach Ricky Stuart informed the full playing squad that the services of a group of selected players will not be required beyond this season.
"Some of these players are off contract at the completion of this season while the others are contracted for 2014 but have been told that they are not a part of the club's plans moving forward and have been offered early releases.
"Over a long period of time, there have been a lot of people who have lost their jobs at the Eels without the playing group ever being held accountable. As of today the playing group is being held accountable.
"We will not be commenting publicly on the specifics of who the players are or why they are not a part of the club's plans beyond 2013. We do however believe it is vitally important that you, our valued Members and Sponsors, heard this from the club first.
"We believe that through a full pre-season and the opening 12 weeks of the NRL competition each player in our squad has been given every opportunity to perform at the expected level. Unfortunately not all are up to the standards that we require.
"As we have said constantly, a winning team culture is not built overnight but for it to develop it is reliant on talent, belief and commitment. The club is building towards a brighter future for this football team and however tough the decisions that must be made, they are made to deliver the club long-term sustainable success. We strive for excellence and will not settle for anything less. Members and sponsors who invest their hard earned each year deserve that at the very least.
"Our members, sponsors and fans have suffered long enough. We truly believe today is a defining moment for this club; it's the day we drew a line in the sand. We will not be stationary in our approach on the field or off it, because success simply doesn't allow for it. We cannot guarantee instant results, there will be more tough days to come but what we can promise is that each week Ricky will send out 17 players in blue and gold that will possess a desire to win."
The Eels have said they will respect the privacy of the players that will be moved on
Parramatta co-captain Reni Maitua is one of at least dozen players Ricky Stuart will move on in the biggest clean-out in the clubs history.
After just 12 rounds at the helm of the Blue and Golds, Stuart has made a call on the roster at his disposal and it spells the end for some of the clubs highest-profile names.
Fairfax Media has been told that Maitua, Matt Keating, Ben Smith, Willie Tonga, Ben Roberts, Cheyse Blair, Daniel Harrison, Nathan Smith, Pat OHanlon and Matthew Eisenhuth are among those on the chopping block. Some of those on the list have recently re-signed or are on contract for 2014.
After years of underperformance including "winning" the wooden spoon last year the club has decided to act. In a letter to Eels fans and members, chief executive Ken Edwards declared it was time for the playing group to be "accountable" for the woeful results.
Advertisement
"In Rugby League, we are judged on the field by our performance and ultimately results," Edwards wrote.
"In recent times the Parramatta Eels have not fared well in either category. Our Members, Fans and Sponsors deserve and demand more than what we have achieved and today the Eels declare that enough is enough.
"This morning, with the full support of the entire Eels organisation, head coach Ricky Stuart informed the full playing squad that the services of a group of selected players will not be required beyond this season.
"Some of these players are off contract at the completion of this season while the others are contracted for 2014 but have been told that they are not a part of the club's plans moving forward and have been offered early releases.
"Over a long period of time, there have been a lot of people who have lost their jobs at the Eels without the playing group ever being held accountable. As of today the playing group is being held accountable.
"We will not be commenting publicly on the specifics of who the players are or why they are not a part of the club's plans beyond 2013. We do however believe it is vitally important that you, our valued Members and Sponsors, heard this from the club first.
"We believe that through a full pre-season and the opening 12 weeks of the NRL competition each player in our squad has been given every opportunity to perform at the expected level. Unfortunately not all are up to the standards that we require.
"As we have said constantly, a winning team culture is not built overnight but for it to develop it is reliant on talent, belief and commitment. The club is building towards a brighter future for this football team and however tough the decisions that must be made, they are made to deliver the club long-term sustainable success. We strive for excellence and will not settle for anything less. Members and sponsors who invest their hard earned each year deserve that at the very least.
"Our members, sponsors and fans have suffered long enough. We truly believe today is a defining moment for this club; it's the day we drew a line in the sand. We will not be stationary in our approach on the field or off it, because success simply doesn't allow for it. We cannot guarantee instant results, there will be more tough days to come but what we can promise is that each week Ricky will send out 17 players in blue and gold that will possess a desire to win."
The Eels have said they will respect the privacy of the players that will be moved on
