Smith finally acts and sacks five Eels
By FREYA GRANT
May 26, 2004
PARRAMATTA coach Brian Smith last night wielded the big axe on his under-performing side dropping five regular NRL players for Sunday's game against the Tigers.
In a massive shake-up, Adam Dykes, John Morris, Junior Langi, Fui Fui Moi Moi and Chris Armit have all paid the price for Parramatta's four successive losses at home and will play Premier League at the weekend.
Smith also appears to have bowed to public pressure by promoting the Eels 2003 rookie of the year Michael Witt to five-eighth in place of Dykes.
Brett Anderson and Jack Afamasaga are promoted from Jersey Flegg, while a number of players including Luke Burt, Shane Muspratt and Mal Kaufusi will step up from Premier League.
When contacted by The Daily Telegraph about Smith's radical overhaul yesterday, even veteran forward Michael Vella had to check if he had made the side.
"I think we sort of needed something like this having lost four home games," Vella said.
"The team needed some sort of shake-up and on Sunday afternoon we'll see if it works.
"We just need a win, anything just to win."
Vella said he was particularly shocked to hear hooker Morris had been dropped.
"It will come as a shock to a lot of people because he hasn't copped too much criticism and he's played well for us this year," Vella said.
"It's a bit of a shock to me but Brian is the coach and he knows what he's doing."
Vella said the team and the club maintained faith in their besieged coach.
"Brian's copped some criticism . . . but everyone at the club has faith in him and everyone is still behind him," he said.
As the new five-eighth, Witt was jubilant at his recall to first grade.
"I'm not going to go into the game thinking I can change the whole situation of the team but I'm definitely glad to be back," Witt said.
"I'm very excited, it feels like I'm making my debut all over again. It's been a bit down so hopefully we can change that this weekend."
"I think at the end of the day we've got to do whatever we can to win, I'm sure we will have 17 blokes ready to play."
Daily Telegraph
