Joey can save Smith: Hagan
Adrian Proszenko | December 16, 2007
PARRAMATTA coach Michael Hagan says Andrew Johns may have a role to play in the rehabilitation of troubled star Tim Smith as the pair share "similarities" in their struggles with personal demons.
Smith is battling depression and has booked himself into an interstate rehabilitation centre after his latest alcohol-fuelled indiscretion almost cost him his Eels contract.
Johns has been working with Smith in his capacity as a halves coach but his greatest advice could be on dealing with alcoholism and the pressures of the NRL spotlight.
Hagan, who gave Johns great support during his much-publicised battles with drugs and bipolar disorder, said the former Newcastle halfback could be a sounding board for Smith.
"He has already spoken to him at different times on the pressure you can be under in the NRL at a young age and the spotlight you can be in," Hagan told The Sun-Herald.
"I think he has already done that informally and is working with him on the skill point of view as well, so he's someone he could talk to from time to time.
"He's keen on the coaching part of [being a mentor] with the young players at our football club, but I think he has a genuine interest in seeing [Smith] do well and get some help, as well.
"I'm sure he can empathise with where he's coming from.
"There's some similarities, certainly the alcohol is an issue for both of them and Andrew has acknowledged that, as well."
Hagan has told Eels players they had an obligation to "intervene" if Smith or anyone else at the club was putting themselves at risk and also asked them not to comment publicly on the Smith affair.
However, the issue isn't over as the club will investigate reports Smith and other teammates damaged property at Easts Leagues Club during a night out.
"The investigations are ongoing, we believe there was an incident at Easts Leagues and that some of our players may have been involved," football manager Andrew Hill said.
Eels forward Nathan Hindmarsh wrote on his blog site: "There comes a time when you are out drinking that you should go home and Timmy needs to realise when that is and also recognise there is a time and a place for heading out, and it's probably not midweek."
