PARRAMATTA coach Stephen Kearney has conceded he called a meeting with out-of-form halfback Chris Sandow this week to determine why his expensive recruit had been in such horrible form. Kearney named Sandow at halfback for Sunday's clash against the Wests Tigers, despite speculation the No. 7 could be punted to the NSW Cup this weekend to brush up on his skills.
"We've had a chat. I know things will turn around for him, that's the type of competitor he is, there's no doubt about that," Kearney said.
Kearney said while it would have been ideal for Sandow to play for Wentworthville during last weekend's NRL bye round - he had every faith the $550,000-a-year recruit would fire against the Benji Marshall-led Tigers.
"Chris is not by himself, and I want to make that really clear - we're not leaving Chris out there to face him by himself," Kearney said.
Sandow trained in a pink rehabilitation shirt yesterday as he continued to nurse a shoulder injury.
But he found no shortage of supporters from his teammates at training.
The 22-year-old was keen to return home to Cherbourg last weekend because of the break in the NRL calender, but instead forced to stay in Sydney.
"I know Chris is copping a lot of criticism at the moment, but he's a quality player and love playing with him," prop Justin Poore said.
"Obviously people expect us to play unbelievably every week, but you can't do it, you can have good weeks and bad weeks. Chrissy copping lot of blame but all of us, not just him.
"I feel for him because I've been through it, I've had that tag and not nice place to be. Collectively we have to stick by him and everyone fo their job. If everyone does their job we'll get a win."
Reni Maitua said the stint in the NSW Cup could have done wonders, but he could not be held solely accountable for the one-and-six start to 2012.
On a brighter note, Meanwhile, club favourite Luke Burt, who has spent the past month playing for Wentworthville, has been named on the Eels' wing in place of injured centre Esi Tonga.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kearneys-sandow-sit-down/story-e6frexnr-1226337483156
