Kearney emerges unscathed from Eels summit
CHRIS BARCLAY
Last updated 09:00 28/03/2012
It will be business as usual at the Parramatta Eels today - battling head coach Stephen Kearney emerged unscathed from his board room summit and disgruntled fans continue to rail against his retention.
Kearney spent about 30 minutes updating the six-member board of the club's progress - or lack thereof- last night and his appointment was again endorsed by Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo after the meeting broke up despite the team's deteriorating performances.
Considered a candidate to become the first coaching casualty in the NRL this season, Kearney was convincing enough behind closed doors to maintain the board's faith - but a much-improved effort against premiers Manly on Saturday night will be necessary to save face in front of an increasingly sceptical supporter base.
Spagnolo reaffirmed the Eels winless season - their worst start to a campaign since 1991 - had not forced the board to contemplate terminating Kearney's contract a year before it expires.
"I don't know where all that talk comes from," he said.
"We're confident Stephen is on the right path."
Spagnolo said Kearney had presented well and was not placed under any added pressure in terms of a deadline to transform the Eels wretched record.
"No, no, no," he said, when asked of Kearney had been issued with a performance-based ultimatum.
He also reiterated Kearney was free to continue his other head coaching role with the Kiwis, an assignment which will divert his attention temporarily when the annual Anzac test is held in Auckland on April 20.
Kearney could not be reached for comment at the end of a relatively mundane day at Eels headquarters.
The only controversy revolved around the state of the Parramatta Stadium turf -- 2000 square metres of loose turf, roughly a third of the playing surface, must be replaced after the footing was criticised by Penrith management after last Friday's 39-6 victory.
It must pass a final pitch inspection or the fixture against the Sea Eagles could be postponed.
Kearney's team selection also raised eyebrows when veteran Luke Burt returned to NSW Cup duty, though the reaction was not as vitriolic compared to when the club's all-time leading try-scorer was demoted for the first time before the New Zealand Warriors game in round two.
Burt again makes way for Jarryd Hayne, who has recovered from a knee injury aggravated against the Warriors, but Kearney is persisting with inexperienced wings Cheyse Blair and Ken Sio.
Kearney's determination to introduce new players is a platform of his plan to revitalise the club and a reason the board and management are pleading for the fans to be patient.
Since taking over last year Kearney has also handed NRL debuts to Blair, Sio, Ryan Morgan, Jacob Loko, Mitchell Allgood and Pat O'Hanlon. Taniela Lasalo has become a regular member of the first grade squad after previously playing just three matches in 2010.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Rugby League will offer its support and resources to Parramatta - and Kearney - in a bid to alleviate pressure on the novice head coach.
NZRL chief executive Jim Doyle will meet Eels counterpart Bob Bentley on Friday during a routine visit to Sydney.
"Stephen's our coach as well as theirs, so what can we do to help?" said Doyle.
"It's our objective to support him in any way we can .... We might be able to add some value."
