Parramatta's attempts to recruit Luke Lewis
Hampered by grudge with Chris Anderson
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
July 20, 2012
Parramatta coaching director Chris Anderson (L) and Luke Lewis.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
PARRAMATTA'S bid for Luke Lewis has been severely handicapped because of the representative star's long-term grudge against coaching director Chris Anderson.
Lewis hasn't forgiven Anderson for not playing him on the 2003 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain, which wrapped up with the controversial selection of veteran utility Darren Smith.
Lewis was left out in favour of the 34-year-old journeyman, who was plucked from the UK Super League to deputise on the wing in the dead-rubber third Test.
"Luke was filthy about not playing on that tour, but that was the final straw," a Panthers source said. "He still hasn't forgiven Anderson and I'd find it hard to see them both at the same club."
Parramatta have lost three straight since head coach Steve Kearney appointed Anderson late last month.
Results were always going to dictate whether the combination survived beyond this season because Anderson is only contracted for the next couple of months. A board meeting in two weeks' time now shapes as D-day.
Speculation linking Ricky Stuart to the Eels has hushed in recent weeks, but there's been a renewed push to convince directors to think again.
Sacked Bradford coach Mick Potter and Roosters assistant Jason Taylor are the other contenders. Stuart, however, would be the coach who could convince Lewis to join a rebuilding club after the pair's relationship went to another level during the Origin series.
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WHILE Anderson might have been a drawback, Parramatta made Lewis the most attractive offer in terms of money and work post-career.
The Eels were happy to extend a four-year deal worth $2 million and also the option to stay on as a strength and conditioning coach.
But Wests Tigers and Cronulla were always going to be Lewis's top options, given his friendships with respective skippers Robbie Farah and Paul Gallen.
While Lewis was sprung looking at property in the Shire on Wednesday, his house hunt in Sydney's inner west the previous evening was a much better-kept secret.
Tigers officials guided Lewis through the new apartment complex in riverside Chiswick that accommodates several players as well as coach Tim Sheens. We're even told Lewis was shown the apartment belonging to the man he is being targeted to replace - English enforcer Gareth Ellis - as a prime example of living arrangements in Tiger Town.
Another forgotten asset for the Tigers is assistant coach Steve Georgallis, whose departure from Penrith sparked tremendous unrest among senior players such as Lewis.
The 28-year-old made no secret of the fact that he wanted to play under Georgallis long-term and now it's a very real possibility, albeit in different colours.
Wests, however, do not have the cap space to match Cronulla's offer for next season. Both four-year deals are roughly equal in the long run, but Lewis will have to take a $60,000 pay cut for 2013 if he choses the Tigers over Sharks.
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David 'Wolfman' Williams
Artwork: Boo Bailey.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
MOVE over Des, there'll be a more illustrious guest at Brookvale Oval tonight. Sea Eagles tragic and Hollywood star Hugh Jackman will be among the full-house.The presence of the Wolverine star - plus David "Wolfman" Williams - ensures a howling reception for former Bulldogs coach Hasler.
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JEREMY Smith's uncertain future at Cronulla has been incorrectly linked to the club's pursuit of Lewis.
They are completely separate issues because Cronulla can afford both stars under next year's salary cap.
The facts on Smith's situation are, first, he will not be going to any club other than Newcastle should Cronulla grant him a release.
Second, he is not unhappy at Cronulla, who have done everything to accommodate the 32-year-old and tried to extend his deal beyond next season.
Smith is seeking a change on compassionate grounds because he needs to be closer to family.
A reunion with Wayne Bennett, who reluctantly released Smith from the Dragons in 2010 to fit in Mark Gasnier, is a huge bonus for the Kiwi firebrand.
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WHEN was the last time a club director called another board member a garden gnome? The answer is never, but the club's identity is no surprise.
That's right, the bazookas are once again out in force at Brookvale.
The latest flashpoint comes after the board's newest appointment - Peter "Zorba" Peters - this week had a shot at Sea Eagles co-owner Phil Sidney on his regular panel podcast with sportal.com.au.
"He's a garden gnome," Peters said. With Peters firmly entrenched in the camp of rival co-owner and nephew Scott Penn, the sentiments come as no surprise.
But the fact they were uttered publicly led to Sidney contacting his lawyers yesterday and the incident will ensure more fireworks when the board meets later this month.
The tinderbox had already been lit by a controversial naming proposal for the corporate area at Brookvale Oval's new grandstand.
Sidney's faction are pushing for it to be named "The Delmege Lounge" after Sea Eagles saviour and former owner Max Delmege.
The idea has agitated Penn's men, who are long-term adversaries of the Delmege family.
It's one of those situations that looks like getting far worse before it gets better.
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THE career of Rabbitohs junior James Roberts is in jeopardy after he was stood down indefinitely this week. Already on numerous warnings for behaviour breaches, the 19-year-old is in hot water after Souths received a complaint about damage to an over-age venue.
After playing 10 NRL games last year, Roberts has spent the entire season between NSW Cup feeder side North Sydney and Toyota Cup. Souths officials have also dismissed Junior Vaivai and Kane Morgan in the past year.
The return of bullocking Matt Utai from A-grade park footy has been one of the NRL's best stories over the past two years.
Although his battered body is on restricted training duties, the 31-year-old is keen for a final fling in 2013. He expects an answer from the Tigers before the end of this month.
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ALL that media exposure has made Israel Folau wise when it comes to headlines. Already linked to a return to rugby league, the GWS star raised eyebrows when he sat behind Parramatta's bunker at last Friday's game. But when invited to join Eels staff in the official area, Folau politely declined to avoid extra speculation.
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FIVE TO THE FORE - BIG MEN
5 BLAKE FERGUSON
The mouthy ex-Shark will cop this weekend's second-most hostile reception when he returns to Toyota Stadium tomorrow night.
4 MAGNETIC ISLAND
Tim Sheens based himself in tropical seclusion while coaching the Cowboys more than a decade ago. Perhaps he could indulge in a trip down memory lane should the Tigers conquer Townsville on Monday.
3 THE SMITHS
Clash of namesakes between the Parramatta and Melbourne hookers tomorrow night. But that's where the similarities end. One is the Australian Test Captain. The other a two-game rookie.
2 CRUMBLING FORTRESS
We walked Brookvale Oval this week and were amazed to survive with both ankles intact. The surface resembles a lunar landscape, with lumpy and barren patches of compacted dirt exposed around the southern end.
1 FRANK PRITCHARD
We told you he'd just bought a share in a Belmore cafe a few weeks ago. Now it appears he's been bulking up on the profits. Absolutely fearsome.
Link:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...h-chris-anderson/story-e6frexnr-1226430330947
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