EXILED Eel Chris Sandow has been reunited with his teammates at Parramatta, who went back to training this week without a head coach.
The halfback was discharged from a three-week stint at a private rehabilitation clinic last Wednesday and returned to Parramatta Stadium on Monday, with Eels players ordered to train until the grand final after collecting back-to-back wooden spoons.
The development comes as the Eels begin their search for a coach to take over from Ricky Stuart, as well interview candidates for the vacant CEO post.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal NRL integrity unit officer Alby Taylor is among the applicants for the CEO position, which has also attracted interest from former Wests Tigers boss Steve Humphreys.
NRL game development manager Andrew Hill is the favourite, but the club has also put out feelers to Cowboys general manager Peter Parr.
The NRL has taken a closer interest in the clubs front office woes, with league boss Dave Smith visiting Parrmatta Leagues Club to meet Eels directors on Tuesday.
The Integrity and Welfare units also monitored Sandows rehabilitation from gambling and alcohol issues.
Parramatta informed the NRL of Sandows condition after discovering the father-of-four had been frequently visiting Star City casino.
He was dropped to NSW Cup in early July, before being removed from all football and training duties a fortnight later.
Then, on August 20, Sandow was checked into the South Pacific Private Rehab Hospital in Curl Curl to confront his issues.
After being discharged on September 11 he travelled straight to Queensland to spend time with family, before returning to Parramatta on Monday.
"Weve been monitoring Sandows progress and we are happy to see him back, NRL Integrity Unit boss Jim Doyle said.
"From all accounts hes done very well.
Although Stuart has now left for Canberra, the Eels have been recalled for light fitness work under the watch of strength and conditioning coach Trent Elkin.
Its believed Elkin wont be joining Stuart at the Raiders, while assistant coaches Matt Parish and Dean Pay have an opportunity to follow their boss to the ACT.
Sacked Cowboys coach Neil Henry and Roosters assistant Jason Taylor are locked in a two-horse race to succeed Stuart.
