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EELS TARGET ANZAC DAY FOR STADIUM-OPENER
Parramatta are hoping to open their new home with a blockbuster Anzac Day clash against the Wests Tigers next year, new chairman Sean McElduff has revealed.
With the $300-million western Sydney stadium not due to be completed until April next year, the Eels are expected to be on the road for the opening third of the season.
They want to usher in a new era with a bang by selling out the 30,000-seat stadium with what will be one of the highlights of the NRL calendar.
“The delivery of the stadium’s out of our control but from all the reports I’m getting, it’s on time. We’ll get delivery of the stadium for that last weekend in April,” McElduff told AAP.
“Based on all the information I’ve got, I’m as confident as I can possibly be (of that game).” Next season shapes as an important one for the club.
After surviving this year’s disappointing campaign, coach Brad Arthur will enter the final year of his contract with the expectation of having his side in finals contention.
Big-names Junior Paulo and Blake Ferguson bolster a roster that is now likely to also include two-time Dally M medallist Jarryd Hayne.
A review into the football department is expected to be finalised by the end of the month, but McElduff said the club had already identified holes in their current set-up.
He admits they erred in opting not to immediately replace assistant coach Peter Gentle following his move to South Sydney last summer.
And the Eels also chose not to appoint a head of football despite looking to fill the role two years ago, and will again advertise for one this week.
In a week where Manly coach Trent Barrett has reportedly resigned due to a lack of support, the Eels also recognise their current facilities are sub-par.
Plans to turn their Old Saleyards Reserve into a centre of excellence have failed, while their large pool of juniors hasn’t produced as many first-grade players as they would’ve liked.
McElduff promised more money would be spent on the football department.
“The review hasn’t finished yet but I can tell you that investing some more money in our facilities is one of the things that’s coming out of it,” he said.
“Doing a better job with our junior development is another area.
“It’s no secret that our junior teams, our Harold Matts and SG Ball teams have been really successful over the last 16 years.
“We’d like to see more juniors coming through and playing in the NRL.
“We need to make sure we’ve got the right development programs and the right pathways so that we give juniors every opportunity.”
- Matt Encarnacion
