Morris hits out at Eels

[dazeely]

Morris hits out at Eels

June 27, 2006
PARRAMATTA half John Morris predicts he won't be the last player to leave the Eels after signing a three-year-deal to join Wests Tigers next season.

Morris, who will replace Gold Coast-bound halfback Scott Prince at the premiers next year, said there could be an exodus from the club because of the way the Eels handle retention and recruitment.
"I am really disappointed with the way they have handled negotiations," Morris said yesterday.
"They've let a few players go and it's well known they went pretty hard for Jamie Lyon and it looks like they've missed out on him. I would have stayed at Parramatta for another year, but I thought after what I gave to the club over four years I deserved more than that.
"It looks like six or seven players might be leaving next year."

The Eels have a host of players off contract at the end of the season, including Wade McKinnon, Aaron Cannings, Brett Delaney, Adam Peek and John Williams.
Super-sub Dean Widders (Souths) and back-rower Glenn Morrison (Bradford) have already signed with rival clubs for next season.

TIGERS star Benji Marshall will have an operation on his shoulder within the next 10 days.


Marshall visited specialist Des Bokor yesterday and confirmed he would need the operation, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The Tigers will play Robbie Farah at halfback and Scott Prince at five-eighth with rookie Stuart Flanagan to move into the hooking role.

 

[Bazal]

And that is another reason I never liked the guy....those comments reek of arrogance.

 

[eelsta]

:blahb: :blahb: :blahb:

 

[Stagger eel]

and what paper was that story taken out of again???

 

[dazeely]

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19593216-5001023,00.html

 

[Twizzle]

looks like his heart wont be in it for the rest of the year

 

[eelsta]

Realistically, none of us like to lose our favourite players, like deano for example, BUT we are coming 2nd last, so i think its time to make some changes, painful or not!!

and we still have fui & hindy

 

[hineyrulz]

looks like his heart wont be in it for the rest of the year

you could be right might be time to promote blake green

 

[dazeely]

looks like his heart wont be in it for the rest of the year

a tad concerning for sure.

 

[True EEL]

i thought it was a fairly honest assessment - we are casting players aside and freely allowing them to negotiate early

call it change, but also call it a lack of respect from our club

 

[bartman]

With 16 teams in the comp next year, it's a player's market if that makes sesne. A lot of guys (from all teams) who are off contract will be wanting to shop around to get the conditions that they prefer (eg 3 year contracts instead of two, a little more cash if they can etc).

We've certainly had a de-stabilising year on all fronts, so you'd expect our players to perhaps have less reasons to hang around given the choice? Whether this is a good or bad thing all depends on which players are brought through or bought in to make up for it, and the value they will give to the Eels next year.

 

[eloquentEEL]

Super-sub Dean Widders (Souths) and back-rower Glenn Morrison (Bradford) have already signed with rival clubs for next season.

Did I miss something? When did Bradford pick up a franchise in the NRL? :crazy:

 

[TheParraboy]

Did I miss something? When did Bradford pick up a franchise in the NRL? :crazy:

The eels could be playing Bradford in the world club challenge next year, hence being our rivals ;-)

 

[Nikki]

Everyone knows I dont have much time for Johnny, but I have no dramas with him making those comments coz they are probably true. We all know our club has been focused on nothing but re-signing Jamie Lyon and I know it would frustrate me no ends if you were trying to sort out your own contractual future and they are gushing over a player that walked out on the club.

 

[Eelementary]

Umm...What exactly did John do wrong?

He's been a great player for us over the years, he WANTED to saty and we spat in his face...I really don't see why he's arrogant for stating ther facts.

 

[Stagger eel]

i thought it was a fairly honest assessment - we are casting players aside and freely allowing them to negotiate early

call it change, but also call it a lack of respect from our club

you can also call it a business decision because of the lack of respect and effort shown by our players on the field.

 

[stuke]

correct me if i am wrong but didn't we try to sign Morris to a longer contract last season but he chose to only re-sign for 1. that was his choice then, as it is the clubs choice now to decide not to chase his signature. maybe he is talking through a bruised ego at the moment.

as for those players on the list mentioned, how many does the club actually want to re-sign?? hardly a mass exodus if the club is happy for them to leave.

 

[parra-all-the-way]

i am now in two minds, 1st play him in reggies and give some our juniors who are staying a go, BUT realistically while we are still mathmatically a chance we should field our strongest team, and he is definately part of that group.

Good luck to john i say and i only hope we have something lined up to replace him or we could be in trouble for some years to come

 

[Stagger eel]

correct me if i am wrong but didn't we try to sign Morris to a longer contract last season but he chose to only re-sign for 1. that was his choice then, as it is the clubs choice now to decide not to chase his signature. maybe he is talking through a bruised ego at the moment.

as for those players on the list mentioned, how many does the club actually want to re-sign?? hardly a mass exodus if the club is happy for them to leave.

funnily enough, he sighned a 1 year with 1 year option in his favour and from what I know he was welcome to take up that option and he chose not to.

 

[parralight]

We need a reorganisation at the club.
IN the past we have tended to have 2 good PL sides and it hasnt been enough. Whilst other team - Broncos/Storm/Dogs all tend to chase talent to stack the top team.
I have a feeling that this is the way the club is going for next year.
They have decided that John Morris is a solid player but not the option they need at 5/8, therefore they have said goodbye.
I think a new era is dawning at the eels.
One where specialist players will be selected to certain roles.
A solid 'jack of all trades but master of none' type of player wont be needed.