In last night’s post match press conference Ricky was naturally asked questions about his future at the Parramatta Eels. Understandably Ricky didn’t want to answer any questions about the rumours as he wanted the papers to be writing about his teams win, not speculating about his future. Ricky then went on to make a comment that he will talk about it after Parramatta’s last game next Sunday. He had the perfect opportunity to end all speculation but didn’t. In fact he has probably caused more speculation by not denying the rumours.
After hearing the press conference I am now convinced Ricky is leaving Parramatta at the end of the season. I actually don’t blame him. No coach will ever have success at Parramatta in the current state the back office is rumoured to be in. Ricky has the opportunity to go back to the club where he had so much success as a player. You could say it would be a fairy tale ending for Ricky. I know it would be a very tough decision for him to make. He wouldn’t like not finishing what he has started.
A lot of people seem to have the view that because Ricky told 12 players they’re not wanted next year he needs to stay. My view is that whilst I would like Ricky to stick around to finish what he has started, I’m ok with him leaving. Drastic action needed to be taken, Parramatta have been down towards the bottom of the table since 2010. Coaches have changed but the results haven’t. Something else needed to be done and Ricky was finally the one to make the tough decision. I don’t hold that against him.
When it comes to your career you need to look after yourself so I can understand Ricky’s decision to leave if that’s the case. The coaching role at the Canberra Raiders would be more stable for Ricky. He would have the full support of the board there and doesn’t have to worry about the in-fighting. And when I say ‘full support of the board’ I mean real support, not the type of ‘support’ that is announced by a club just before a coach is about to get sacked. Anyone notice Parramatta have come out and said Ricky has the full support of the board?
I do think Canberra are silly offering a 7 year contract though. What if it doesn’t work out after 3 years? Canberra will still need to pay out his contract if they want to get rid of him. Or on the other side of the coin, what if Ricky takes them to the Grand Final every year? Surely he would be worth more money. He’s locking himself into a million a year when he could be worth more than that after a few years.
If Ricky Stuart does leave Parramatta it looks as though Jason Taylor is shaping up to be the favourite to get the coaching role with Brian Smith being the coaching director. I like this option. Jason Taylor is currently in the Assistant Coach at the Roosters and we all know how they’ve managed to turn things around this year.
In regards to Brian Smith, well Hiney seems to have a lot of respect for him. I think Brian’s problem is he’s too full on. He knows what he’s doing; the players just grow tired of him very quickly. I think a coaching director role would suit Brian as it just adds that extra layer between him and the players. He’s very good a rebuilding clubs, he just tends to stay in his coaching roles too long. He needs to just take 2 year roles and then move on to the next struggling club.
Parramatta can’t afford any more coaching changes after Ricky leaves, they need consistency. The reason they are in this mess is because they are constantly in a rebuilding phase. New coaches come in and start their plans and never get to finish them. A new coach then comes in and they have to start all over again. Recruitment is a mess because each coach has a different plan of who they want. Consistency is the key and the board need to make a decision and stick with it.
It’s still going to be a long road to glory for Parramatta fans. I hope the back office drama gets sorted out sooner rather than later as it’s spilling out onto the field. I don’t think I can handle another season of being down the bottom of the ladder.
Stay strong Parra fans, it will get better and those good times will seem so much better if you stick by the boys during the tough times.
Love,
@LadiesWhoLeague
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