AS A cashed-up AFL prepares for its 2012 invasion, rugby league's four underperforming western Sydney clubs are in disarray and turning on themselves.
The 14th-placed Parramatta Eels yesterday axed league legend Rod Reddy from their recruitment staff, along with assistant coach Peter Sharp.
Parramatta's upheaval follows similar crises at league heartland clubs Penrith, Canterbury and Wests Tigers.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Reddy is poised to contest his sacking through Parramatta Leagues Club's
human resources department. Sharp, the former Manly and North Eagles coach, was axed with two years remaining on his contract. Both have vowed to remain with the Eels for the remainder of this year.
Asked about his demise, Reddy said: "I am in the process of speaking with (Parramatta CEO) Paul Osborne and HR at Parramatta Leagues Club." Asked had the decision left him bitter, Reddy - who played 16 Tests for Australia - said: "No comment. That is why I am going through HR."
Parramatta also recently off-loaded Reddy's son, Joel, who signed with Wests Tigers.
Sharp, who previously coached English club Hull and was an assistant coach at Melbourne and Newcastle, declined to comment on his sacking. Reddy and Sharp were both told their exit was part of a club "restructure".
The signing of Brisbane recruitment officer Peter Nolan was a reason behind Reddy's dumping.
There are fears that all four marquee western Sydney clubs will bomb out this season and miss places in the top four. Parramatta are already out of finals contention.
On current form, none of the four teams will come close to winning the NRL title.
Penrith sacked coach Matt Elliott, then told popular caretaker coach Steve Georgallis he would not take over next year. CEO Mick Leary has gone, with star players Petero Civoniceva and Trent Waterhouse also departing.
There were also suggestions yesterday that another high-profile Penrith player could soon be cut.
At Canterbury, the sacking of coach Kevin Moore has caused tension and instability.
The hunt continues for a replacement.
Star Bulldogs centre Jamal Idris revealed mid-season he will join Gold Coast next year.
The Tigers loom as the west's best finals hope. However, they too have endured problems, with leading players Bryce Gibbs, Tim Moltzen, Andrew Fifita and Wade McKinnon forced out to accommodate new signing Adam Blair and the upgrading of emerging players' contracts.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...league-heartland/story-e6frexnr-1226103014613
The 14th-placed Parramatta Eels yesterday axed league legend Rod Reddy from their recruitment staff, along with assistant coach Peter Sharp.
Parramatta's upheaval follows similar crises at league heartland clubs Penrith, Canterbury and Wests Tigers.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Reddy is poised to contest his sacking through Parramatta Leagues Club's
human resources department. Sharp, the former Manly and North Eagles coach, was axed with two years remaining on his contract. Both have vowed to remain with the Eels for the remainder of this year.
Asked about his demise, Reddy said: "I am in the process of speaking with (Parramatta CEO) Paul Osborne and HR at Parramatta Leagues Club." Asked had the decision left him bitter, Reddy - who played 16 Tests for Australia - said: "No comment. That is why I am going through HR."
Parramatta also recently off-loaded Reddy's son, Joel, who signed with Wests Tigers.
Sharp, who previously coached English club Hull and was an assistant coach at Melbourne and Newcastle, declined to comment on his sacking. Reddy and Sharp were both told their exit was part of a club "restructure".
The signing of Brisbane recruitment officer Peter Nolan was a reason behind Reddy's dumping.
There are fears that all four marquee western Sydney clubs will bomb out this season and miss places in the top four. Parramatta are already out of finals contention.
On current form, none of the four teams will come close to winning the NRL title.
Penrith sacked coach Matt Elliott, then told popular caretaker coach Steve Georgallis he would not take over next year. CEO Mick Leary has gone, with star players Petero Civoniceva and Trent Waterhouse also departing.
There were also suggestions yesterday that another high-profile Penrith player could soon be cut.
At Canterbury, the sacking of coach Kevin Moore has caused tension and instability.
The hunt continues for a replacement.
Star Bulldogs centre Jamal Idris revealed mid-season he will join Gold Coast next year.
The Tigers loom as the west's best finals hope. However, they too have endured problems, with leading players Bryce Gibbs, Tim Moltzen, Andrew Fifita and Wade McKinnon forced out to accommodate new signing Adam Blair and the upgrading of emerging players' contracts.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...league-heartland/story-e6frexnr-1226103014613