Ricky Stuart has unveiled his plans to transform Parramatta into a powerhouse club, believing he is on track to create a team that will be competitive for the next decade.
Stuart has begun the overhaul of his roster after being brought in to snap a premiership drought that's closing in on a 27th year. From the outset, he has said it would take time to change the personnel and culture of a team that holds the wooden spoon.
While he shares the frustration of long-suffering fans, the former Blues and Kangaroos coach has moved to assure them that the blue and golds will rise again under his watch.
Will Hopoate. Photo: Brendan Esposito
In a wide-ranging interview, Stuart spoke about retention and recruitment, his desire to turn Parramatta Stadium into a venue feared by rivals and his long-term ambitions.
Advertisement
''What I'm trying to build is a team which will be competitive for the next 10 years,'' Stuart said. ''I don't want to have a successful team for a year or two and drop off the perch again.
''I want to create a competitive culture for the Parramatta club that is continuous.
''There will be some joy in the future. I can't tell you exactly when, but it will happen and I believe we have made some decisions that will fast-track that process. Unfortunately it takes time, but the work we've done over the last six months, we've probably taken 12 months off the rebuilding process.
''I feel very confident we're moving in the right direction.
''I know how hard it is at the moment for the players, the coaches, the club and more importantly our fans.
''I'm uncomfortable, too. Every coach would like to walk into a roster that's in the top four, but it just doesn't happen. I am a realist. We've got plans for the future and we want the fans to share in this. It's the fan I care about most in looking at the bigger picture.
''I've always said there will be some pain before there is joy, and we are all feeling that pain today but I'm very optimistic for the future.''
The Eels are undergoing the biggest clean-out in the club's history, after a dozen players were told they are unlikely to feature in Stuart's long-term plans. The premiership-winning coach remains on the lookout for more recruits to bolster incoming players Will Hopoate, Corey Norman, Gareth Hock and Lee Mossop.
''I know our fans are sweating on some more signings,'' Stuart said. ''There won't be too many more, but we are still targeting another two players. If we are successful with our targets in the coming weeks, our turnaround of roster will be one of the biggest in a long period of the game.
''Our footy team needs to be competitive and be winning games.
''I want to fill Parramatta Stadium and turn it into an environment that our opposition don't want to be at and our fans don't want to leave.
''That's a big part of my vision for the club. It's seems pretty simple, but it's hard work.''
The Eels have extended the contracts of some of their best young talents during the week. Rookies Kelepi Tanginoa, Kaysa Pritchard and Peni Terepo will remain for an extra two years, while Junior Paulo has re-signed until the end of 2016.
Stuart, whose side will face Manly at Brookvale Oval on Monday night, said the morale of the squad was still high despite a tough period.
''There's still a very good attitude and feeling among the players. They are still training very hard and doing everything we can to win'' he said.
