Ricky Stuart - New Eels coach

[Gronk]

RICKY Stuart was back to doing what he loves best yesterday. The former NSW coach had his first day on the job at Parramatta but was not keen to talk about it for fear of overshadowing the NRL's finals series.

"This time of the year is about teams that make the semis -- it's not about us," Stuart said. "I just want us to remain low-key."
It is the first time Stuart has held the whistle for a NRL club since he parted company with Cronulla towards the end of the 2010 season. He landed on he feet again the following season when he was appointed the first fulltime coach of NSW for the State of Origin series.

Stuart did not win a series with the Blues this time around, but has been credited for closing the gap on the indomitable Queensland team that has claimed the past seven series. The Blues were keen to retain Stuart after he landed the Parramatta job even though their own rules recommended appointing a coach devoid of NRL responsibilities.
Parramatta fans will be hoping that Stuart can weave some magic at the Eels in 2013 after the club's disastrous season that resulted in coach Stephen Kearney being dumped and the team collecting its first wooden spoon since 1972.
The Eels players had a gym session yesterday before Stuart put them through their paces on the field.
The team will train for the next three weeks in line with the finish of the NRL's finals series before breaking for six weeks for the off-season.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...-whistle-at-eels/story-fnca0von-1226471389065​

 

[Gronk]

IT had been 840 days since Ricky Stuart last controlled an NRL team. But when he took charge of Parramatta for the very first time yesterday, it appeared little had changed.

Wearing a blue and gold polo shirt, Stuart ordered the reigning wooden spooners to Parramatta Stadium for a 9am start - five months before they will boot another ball in anger.
Until the grand final on the last day of this month they will train four days a week to give the new boss an idea of his players' agility, fitness and ball skills ahead of the 2013 pre-season.
Stuart wasted little time letting the players - including stars Jarryd Hayne, Chris Sandow and Tim Mannah - know who was in charge as he took centre stage in a field session at the rear of the venue.
After a meeting that also featured Eels CEO Bob Bentley and chairman Roy Spagnolo, the team completed a 45-minute attacking and defensive drill under Stuart's watch.
The simple defensive session - up-and-down runs, side-to-side lateral movements - suggests Stuart could be on the verge of breaking down the team's entire structure and starting from the basics.
Since being appointed, five rounds before the end of competition, he's watched every minute of Parramatta's games.
Furthermore, he attended all but one - against the Titans on the Gold Coast.
The Eels can also expect a significant shake-up to their coaching staff, with caretaker Brad Arthur already on the lookout for a new job after Stuart decided to hire his own assistant staff.
Melbourne's Dean Pay has already been appointed, while Manly assistant Matt Parish is strongly favoured to clinch the other assistant role.
Sharks strength and conditioning coach Trent Elkin is also believed to have accepted an offer to join Parramatta, but it's understood long-time Eels trainer Craig Catterick will continue.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/n...ough-their-paces/story-e6frfgdx-1226471423866​

 

[Gronk]

'The biggest signing since Jack Gibson'


MICHAEL CHAMMAS
11 Sep, 2012 03:00 AM
Ricky Stuart began his Parramatta rescue mission yesterday with a simple message for his new troops: ''Buy into what I'm doing.''
On day one of the Stuart regime, those were the words the former NSW coach was drumming into his players, who've given up their post-season holidays to begin training two months early.
It was the start of a new era - Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt didn't lob for day one of pre-season for the first time since 1997.
But at the helm was a man, described by the club as ''the best signing since Gibson'', intent on returning the club to its glory days.
Stuart used yesterday to get to know the players, elaborating on his expectations and demands as a coach. One Eels insider told the Herald he was ''honest and upfront'' on his first official day in charge.
Stuart didn't waste any time emphasising what he considers an important part of the Eels' evolution.
Parramatta, the worst defensive team in the competition this season, focused on defence in their first session under Stuart, gaining an understanding of the structure the former Cronulla and Sydney Roosters coach wants to adopt.
The players said there was a sense of excitement at training yesterday, with veteran Reni Maitua and fullback Jarryd Hayne taking to Twitter to express their feelings.
''First day back at Training. #3weektrainingblock first run in 6weeks on the #SpaceTredmill. Exciting times !!!!'' Hayne said.
Maitua was more concerned about how his body would hold up after a week of celebrations.
''Day 1 of preseason begins. After a week of festivities, let see how the body feels #nopainnogain #noretreatnosurrender,'' Maitua said.

http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/me...iggest-signing-since-jack-gibson/2623171.aspx

​

 

[Utey]

IT had been 840 days since Ricky Stuart last controlled an NRL team. But when he took charge of Parramatta for the very first time yesterday, it appeared little had changed.

Wearing a blue and gold polo shirt, Stuart ordered the reigning wooden spooners to Parramatta Stadium for a 9am start - five months before they will boot another ball in anger.


Until the grand final on the last day of this month they will train four days a week to give the new boss an idea of his players' agility, fitness and ball skills ahead of the 2013 pre-season.


Stuart wasted little time letting the players - including stars Jarryd Hayne, Chris Sandow and Tim Mannah - know who was in charge as he took centre stage in a field session at the rear of the venue.
After a meeting that also featured Eels CEO Bob Bentley and chairman Roy Spagnolo, the team completed a 45-minute attacking and defensive drill under Stuart's watch.



The simple defensive session - up-and-down runs, side-to-side lateral movements - suggests Stuart could be on the verge of breaking down the team's entire structure and starting from the basics.
Since being appointed, five rounds before the end of competition, he's watched every minute of Parramatta's games.
Furthermore, he attended all but one - against the Titans on the Gold Coast.


The Eels can also expect a significant shake-up to their coaching staff, with caretaker Brad Arthur already on the lookout for a new job after Stuart decided to hire his own assistant staff.
Melbourne's Dean Pay has already been appointed, while Manly assistant Matt Parish is strongly favoured to clinch the other assistant role.


Sharks strength and conditioning coach Trent Elkin is also believed to have accepted an offer to join Parramatta, but it's understood long-time Eels trainer Craig Catterick will continue.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ough-their-paces/story-e6frexq0-1226471423866

 

[Bigfella]

So Parra Pride is Reni Matua?

 

[Wise Old Eel]

Awaits latest "toughest pre-season ever" article... :sarcasm:

Sarcasm aside, and as much as Ricky Stuart was not my first choice as coach, I have more faith in him making us competitive than his predecessor. Bring on 2013!

Go the Eels!
WOE

 

[Maroubra Eel]

lol you could be onto him.

 

[muznik]

Whilst i wasnt initally keen on the Ricky Stuart appointment he does look good in the Blue & Gold (although so did Ando) & I am almost a little excited about our prospects next year.

Lets just hope we improve on this year......Oh wait....

Im looking up therapist numbers now !

 

[El Diablo]

Whilst i wasnt initally keen on the Ricky Stuart appointment he does look good in the Blue & Gold (although so did Ando) & I am almost a little excited about our prospects next year.

Lets just hope we improve on this year......Oh wait....

Im looking up therapist numbers now !

he said there'd be pain next season too. look at our squad

bookies already have us as spoon faves http://centrebet.com/#Sports/Event/3387160

 

[Eels Dude]

he said there'd be pain next season too. look at our squad

bookies already have us as spoon faves http://centrebet.com/#Sports/Event/3387160

With a couple of minor adjustments that just reads like the competition table from this year, only Newcastle having a significant change.

 

[Gronk]

Sticky’s kiss of death for Parramatta halves

By Curtis Woodward, 13 Sep 2012 Curtis Woodward is a Roar Guru& Live Blogger

+ enlarge image
If history is anything to go by, Parramatta's halves should be fearing the impending arrival of Ricky Stuart
Ricky Stuart’s tenure as coach of the Parramatta Eels has officially begun with sessions held this week in Sydney’s golden west. A new era is here for the Eels and their fans.
But if history is anything to go by, Chris Sandow should be shaking in his boots.
The long line of playmakers that have fallen by the wayside under Stuart is scary. Whether it be via an early release, poor off-field behaviour or simply not getting along.
There is something awfully shady about Stuart and his history with halfbacks.
From his time at the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks, things never seem to work out for the sixes and sevens.
Things had been prickly for a long time between Stuart and then Cronulla Sharks captain Brett Kimmorley when Ricky joined the Sharkies back in 2007.
Despite having won a premiership with the Melbourne Storm and leading Cronulla to the grand final qualifier in 2008 under Stuart, Kimmorley was shown the door in favour of Trent Barrett.
Stuart tried to explain himself in an article for The Telegraph back in 2009.
“I learnt that Kimmorley was not a big-match player – not the kind who can get you over the line in big games, like Andrew Johns or Darren Lockyer. And I knew that when I later moved to Cronulla,” Stuart said.
“We tried our best to work together, but it didn’t work.”
Remember that these were successful clubs. The Roosters had won a premiership under Ricky in 2002 and the Sharks had placed equal first in 2008.
Yet he was still sacking guys. From Brett Kimmorley to Luke Dorn. It simply doesn’t matter who you are.
What does Stuart deep down really think of Sandow and the Eels than?
Sandow is on a huge contract and was miserable this season for his new club. The guy is missing plenty of things that Ricky requires.
The diminutive halfback has to start from scratch and play for Ricky or risk being booted out the backdoor.
Stephen Kearney tried to change him and failed. How is the new coach going to do it?
Stuart is probably best just punting him altogether and finding someone else.
Even after he has left a club, his fingerprints are there for all to see.
After being sacked from the Sydney Roosters at the end of 2006, bad things continued to happen at Bondi.
Craig Wing quickly turned his back on the club to join rivals South Sydney and Brett Finch asked for a release to join the Eels. Jamie Soward was sacked in 2007 after 22 games too.
Sharks’ halves were not safe even after Stuart had stood down in 2010.
Scott Porter was released from the club in 2011 after 22 games and Albert Kelly has since been given the flick from both the Sharks and the Newcastle Knights.
“I am really looking forward to it [training],” Ben Roberts told The Sunday Telegraph on the weekend.
“It will give us a taste of what life will be like under Ricky and allow us to think about that over the off-season and prepare.
“We didn’t have a great season and we want to do everything we can to turn it around. I honestly think we did pretty well towards the end of the season and we stuck together as a group.
“We want to make amends for the season and we are looking forward to getting stuck into it with Sticky.”
Don’t get too comfortable, Ben. You’re on the chopping block too.

Playmakers under Stuart: Roosters 2002-2006
Paul Green 2002: Injured knee round one and did not return at the Roosters
Justin Holbrook 2002: four games and never seen again
Sam Obst 2002: seven games over two years before leaving for the UK
Craig Wing 2002-2007: Returned to Souths in 2007
Brett Finch 2003-2007: Asked for a release to join Parramatta
Luke Dorn 2004: 1 game before leaving for the UK
Brett Firman 2005: Released after four games to join North Queensland
Jamie Soward 2005-2007: 22 games before being released
Josh Lewis 2006: 12 games before being released
Sharks 2007-2010
Adam Dykes 2007: One year under Stuart before leaving for the UK
Brett Kimmorley 2007-2008: Left for the Bulldogs after plenty of issues with Stuart
Brett Seymour 2007-2009: Sacked after a string of alcohol fuelled incidents
Anthony Watts 2007: Five games before being released for disciplinary reasons
Blake Green 2008-2009: Joined the Bulldogs after only 19 games
Brett Kearney 2008-2009: Suffered injury round one 2009 before leaving for the UK
Trent Barrett 2009-2010: Retired in 2010 despite pleas from the Sharks to play on
Scott Porter 2009-2010: Released in 2011 after 22 games
Albert Kelly 2010: Released from both the Sharks and the Knights
Tim Smith 2010: Axed to NSW Cup shortly after signing

http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/09/13/stickys-kiss-of-death-for-parramatta-halves/

 

[Stagger eel]

I should of known after reading the article that the f**kwits who wrote this were from the roar!!.. Lol

In 10 years there's only been a handful of quality halves so unless you coached johns, Cronk, thurston, Lockyer and marshal your 6 and 7 was always going to be an enormous challenge to your team, he's done well considering he only had the privlidge of johns at rep level.

 

[Gronk]

I would think that every coach we've had since Sterlo are half killers as well. You just have to keep searching for the next gun 7.

 

[Maroubra Eel]

You could pretty much do that article about most coaches. Stagger is right.

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

Most of those halves that were axed or sacked were shit anyway.

 

[oldmancraigy]

Just a re-interpretation of the events here:

2002:
Paul Green was old and got injured in round 1 and was off contract at the end of the year. Unless his replacements were crap, he was in trouble!
His replacements were crap! (Holbrook + Obst - 11 first grade games between them)
Oops - Wing stood up as a fill in half for the rest of the premiership winning year.

2003-2006
They had the same halfback for 4 straight seasons.
Unfortunately for them it was the Finch!!! He looked ok next to Fittler, but we all saw how awesome he was at running the show himself....
Either way, he was hardly "sacked" - more like we threw buckets of ca$h at him.
[A couple of other backups during this time were released to give them first grade opportunities at other clubs because Ricky wanted to STICK BY his halfback.
[Dorn, Firman, Soward, Lewis. None of whom have won a premiership anyway of course....]


I can't be bothered doing the Sharkies bit. Suffice to say that a number of Sharks fans were excited when they signed ROBSON for this season - clearly they've not been blessed with quality young halves down that way.

 

[Utey]

What a geniused article.

 

[Noise]

Just a re-interpretation of the events here:

2002:
Paul Green was old and got injured in round 1 and was off contract at the end of the year. Unless his replacements were crap, he was in trouble!
His replacements were crap! (Holbrook + Obst - 11 first grade games between them)
Oops - Wing stood up as a fill in half for the rest of the premiership winning year.

2003-2006
They had the same halfback for 4 straight seasons.
Unfortunately for them it was the Finch!!! He looked ok next to Fittler, but we all saw how awesome he was at running the show himself....
Either way, he was hardly "sacked" - more like we threw buckets of ca$h at him.
[A couple of other backups during this time were released to give them first grade opportunities at other clubs because Ricky wanted to STICK BY his halfback.
[Dorn, Firman, Soward, Lewis. None of whom have won a premiership anyway of course....]


I can't be bothered doing the Sharkies bit. Suffice to say that a number of Sharks fans were excited when they signed ROBSON for this season - clearly they've not been blessed with quality young halves down that way.

Most havent won a premiership - Soward the little prick did

 

[Stagger eel]

Most havent won a premiership - Soward the little prick did

I think thats more the case of Soward and Hornby having a fabulous team accross the park!

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Really how Stuart coaches this side will show how good he really is or isnt. Most on here have been critical of Kearney because he never coached or put in game plans which reflected the squads strengths .

Well let's see what game plan Stuart plays - the strength/playing ability of our halves (and full back) are the least of our problems. Let's hope Stuart puts a structure in place that focuses on the great attacking ability of hayne and sandow rather then just try to get them to play some other way.