The Parramatta board is about to face its first big test after tasking itself with the responsibility of reviewing the clubs dismal season.
The Eels hierarchy had given some consideration to engaging an independent consultant to conduct the probe into a team languishing in last spot on the ladder. However, the directors decided they had the necessary experience to handle the task themselves and have begun a sweeping review of all facets of the football operation.
Probe: The Parramatta board will conduct a review of the club's season from hell.
Photo: AAP
While such reviews are often viewed as a justification to punt the coach, its understood Brad Arthur – while under intense pressure after a 3-12 start to the season – isnt currently in the firing line. Suggestions that Wayne Bennett, or other potential coaching replacements, have been sounded out are off the mark.
The review will determine whether Arthur has the necessary support and resources required to succeed and will benchmark Parramattas football department with that of other clubs at the NRL.
The board, installed after its predecessors were sacked by the NSW Government over the salary cap scandal, will be judged on the outcomes of the probe. Several Parramatta directors will have oversight on the project according to their skill sets, but its understood Jim Sarantinos will play a lead role. A qualified chartered accountant, Sarantinos has extensive experience in restructuring businesses as a partner at Ferrier Hodgson.
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Interviews with key football department staff began on Tuesday and will continue throughout the week in bid to identify if there are any gaps that need to be filled.
One of the issues that has surfaced is whether the club needs a head of football. Eels CEO Bernie Gurr currently has that role and the review will establish whether he should continue in the role and the reporting lines need to be altered.
The review comes at a critical time in Parramattas history. The club has a thriving leagues club, a big junior nursery and will next year unveil a brand new home stadium that will be genuinely world class. The Eels should be a league superpower akin to the Broncos but have made only one finals appearance in the past nine years, making them the NRLs biggest underperformers.
Despite a top-four finish last season, it has been acknowledged internally that the playing roster needs to be overhauled. The futures of several contracted stars – including Corey Norman and Michael Jennings – will be discussed as part of the process.
The Eels have also lost many of their best young juniors, the majority now playing for Manly or the Sea Eagles feeder club Blacktown. The way the club identifies young talent, as well as senior retention and recruitment, will be an area that is heavily scrutinised.
Adrian Proszenko is the Chief Rugby League Reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.
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