My challenge at Parra

MICHAEL Hagan has spoken for the first time about his plans and expectations for coaching new club Parramatta and life without Andrew Johns.

Speaking exclusively with The Daily Telegraph last night, Hagan talked of the Eels' perceived drinking issues, Parramatta's 20-year premiership drought, where to play Timana Tahu and talk he could only win with Johns in his side.

Hagan has met football club staff and will start individual meetings with players between November 1 and 3. The club will then go into a three-day camp on the NSW central coast before starting official pre-season training.

"The players need to get to know me and I need to get to know them," Hagan said. "I also have to learn about the club and how it operates."

JOEY JOHNS

Some say Johns coached Newcastle and Hagan cannot win without the superstar halfback.

"That doesn't concern me," Hagan said. "I coached at Canberra in the lower grades before Newcastle and had success in that time.

"That's been sorted out.

"Joey is such an important part of the team but over the past year or two we have won matches with Jarred Mullen and Kurt Gidley.

"We moved past that and I'm looking forward to working with Brett Finch and Tim Smith."

THE BOOZE

Parramatta had five separate alcohol-related incidents last year.

"There is a huge focus on the players' off-field behaviour these days," Hagan said. "It is something we may discuss with management and whether something could be put in place.

"There were a couple of isolated incidents this year and they were given a strong run in the media.

"The club was going through a difficult period at that time."

THE DROUGHT

Parramatta have not won a premiership since Ray Price and Mick Cronin retired after beating Canterbury 4-2 in the 1986 grand final.

"I actually played in that match. I was in the centres for Canterbury on the beaten side," he said.

"It has been quite a while for Parramatta since they won. But they've had plenty of success during the past decade. People shouldn't forget that.

"Like all clubs we'll be striving to win the premiership next season."

JASON TAYLOR

Jason Taylor wanted the top job but Hagan got it. Interim coach Taylor then pushed Parramatta into the finals before joining Souths.

"The situation was that Jason was looking for a first-grade coaching job," Hagan said. "I was of that understanding when it came time to consider the coaching staff.

"He is now with Souths. Jason did a great job with Parramatta this year."

TIMANA TAHU

Centre Tahu fears he may be switched back to the wing, a position where Hagan used him at Newcastle.

"There has been a little talk about this," Hagan said.

"Timana has established himself as a centre over the past two years and that's where he'll play next year and beyond. "

THE KNIGHTS

Hagan left the club with a heavy heart but said the move was necessary.

"On reflection maybe it was time. There were six or seven players who had been there for a while who may have wanted to hear a different voice and few different ideas," Hagan said.

"I had done what I wanted at Newcastle. Maybe it was time for me to take on some other challenges. Parramatta offer those."

THE ROSTER

Hagan says the Eels have a perfect balance of experience and youth.

"We have a pretty good roster, it's a good mix," Hagan said. "We have some experienced blokes in Nathan Cayless, Nathan Hindmarsh, Michael Vella and Daniel Wagon. They'll play an active role.

"And we have some good young blokes in Jarryd Hayne, Tim Smith and Ben Smith.

"The club is used to success and we'll be doing everything to ensure that continues.

2007 PREDICTION

Asked was a semi-final finish in 2007 the minimum he would expect, Hagan said: "That would be a starting point. The club did well to make the finals this year. I'm not going to make any bold predictions but we should be in for a successful season."

Lyon prepared for hostile Eels fans

Jamie Lyon is bracing for a "hostile" reception from Parramatta supporters on his return to the NRL, but the prize Manly recruit insists he has no regrets about walking out on the club.

Despite being contracted until the end of this year, Lyon quit the Eels just one game into the 2004 season, citing a dislike for city life.

The Eels, having released emerging centre Willie Tonga to the Bulldogs to accommodate him, never recovered from the setback and finished the year in 12th spot.

Lyon, who flew in from England this morning after helping St Helens to victory in last week's Super League grand final, expected a fiery welcome from Eels fans.

"I think it will be a hostile over there, particularly for (me)," Lyon said today.

"You're going to have to do it sooner or later, aren't you."

While the NRL draw is yet to be released, Parramatta has been bracketed in the same pool as Manly, ensuring Lyon will come face-to-face with Eels fans at Parramatta Stadium.

Spicing up the affair are comments from Parramatta legend Peter Sterling, who said he was "filthy" with the way Lyon left the club and claimed he should have been overlooked for Test selection.

"No, not at all, I've heard it a couple of times and it doesn't worry me at all," he said of Sterling's criticism.

"It's water off a duck's back."

Lyon last played in Australia for Wee Waa in the group 4 premiership in regional NSW.

"I think at the time it was the right thing to do," Lyon said of his departure.

"I've had my time off and freshened up, so I'm really looking forward to it."

Awarded the Man of Steel award as the English game's best player in 2005, Lyon admitted he had barely spoken to his Eels teammates over the past two years.

"I'm really looking forward to (catching up)," he said.

Asked why he decided to return to the NRL, he said: "I've been away for a while and I've got that bit of desire there now.

"Like I said, I've freshened right up and am raring to go.

"I'm just really looking forward to coming back and playing with Manly, really playing some good footy.

"Hopefully we can get some good wins on the board."

Having arrived late to the Tri Nations tournament due to his English club commitments, Lyon will be available for just two games - both against Great Britain - as well as the final, should Australia qualify.

Rated as the best centre in the game before joining the Super League, Lyon played an increasing amount of football at five-eighth during his English stint.

But the 24-year-old is yet to get an indication from Australian coach Ricky Stuart about his role for the team.

"I'll just have to get down there and see what Sticky wants to do," he said.

"It would be good (to play) but we'll see what happens.

"For sure (I'm excited), it's one of the biggest things you can do.

"Hopefully I'll get a chance and get a game, we'll just have to see how it all pans out.

"I'm pretty fit at the moment, I've played a few games."

Asked if he was a better player on his return to Australia, Lyon said: "I'm not sure, I'm a bit older and a bit more mature now anyway.

"Time will tell I suppose."

Hindmarsh the Eels' best for fifth time

Parramatta forward Nathan Hindmarsh won the Ken Thornett Medal as the Eels' player of the year on Sunday night.

Hindmarsh played 22 games for the club this season along with three State of Origin matches for New South Wales and the Anzac Test match for Australia.
It is the fifth time the 27-year-old has won the award.

"It is obviously a special award and I'm thrilled to win it," Hindmarsh said.

"When you play a team sport, there is no greater accolade than to get recognised by your team-mates and I would like to thank them for their support."

Jarryd Hayne took out the club's rookie award and, along with Hindmarsh, will play for Australia in the Tri-Nations series.

Full list of awards

Ken Thornett Medal: Nathan Hindmarsh
Jack Gibson Coaches Award: Nathan Cayless
Michael Cronin Clubman of the Year Award: Chad Robinson
Eric Grothe Rookie of the Year: Jarryd Hayne
Members Peoples Choice: Nathan Hindmarsh
Ron Lynch Media Award: Nathan Cayless
Geoff Gerard Coaches Award (Premier League): Junior Paulo
Bob O'Reilly Players Player Award (Premier League): Feleti Mateo
Brett Kenny Coaches Award (Jersey Flegg): Broderick Wright
Steven Ella Players Player Award (Jersey Flegg): Kurt Sorensen.

Hayne named in Kangaroos squad

Australia has announced eight new players in a strong 23-man squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations series to be held in Australia and New Zealand. The Kangaroos, who will be looking to regain the tri-nations title they lost to New Zealand last year, will be skippered by Brisbane Broncos captain Darren Lockyer. In total, the Broncos have eight players in the squad, while Melbourne Storm have three. Of the new players, the biggest surprise was the selection of Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne.

Hayne, 18, only started playing first grade football for the Eels in round ten, but has since scored 17 tries in as many matches and claimed the NRL's rookie-of-the-year award. The other interesting inclusion is that of former Parramatta centre Jamie Lyon. Lyon has been plucked from the English Super League, where he plays with St Helens.Lyon's form in 2006 for St Helens has been superb, and the 24-year-old will re-join the NRL in 2007 to play with Manly.

Andrew Johns, Ben Kennedy, Steve Menzies have all retired from representative football, while many other players were not considered due to a range of injuries. Luke Bailey, Matt Cooper and Timana Tahu were all left out due to injury, and Danny Buderus made himself unavailable for selection prior to his six-week suspension for a dangerous throw in Newcastle's first-up finals win over Manly.

The Kangaroos' first game in the tri-nations series is on October 14 against New Zealand.

AUSTRALIAN TRI-NATIONS SQUAD Shaun Berrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Tonie Carroll (Brisbane Broncos), Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane Broncos), Mark Gasnier (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels), Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels), Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos), Ben Hornby (St George Illawarra Dragons), Karmichael Hunt (Brisbane Broncos), Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm), Matt King (Melbourne Storm), Brent Kite (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Darren Lockyer, captain (Brisbane Broncos), Jamie Lyon (St Helens), Willie Mason (Canterbury Bulldogs), Luke O'Donnell (North Queensland Cowboys), Mark O'Meley (Canterbury Bulldogs), Andrew Ryan (Canterbury Bulldogs), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), Brent Tate (Brisbane Broncos), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys), Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters)

Webcke's perfect farewell

BRISBANE gave retiring prop Shane Webcke the perfect send off and ensured its perfect grand final record was kept intact with a spirited 15-8 win over minor premier Melbourne at Telstra Stadium tonight.

Up 8-4 at the break, both sides scored a try apiece in the second stanza before a Darren Lockyer field goal with seven minutes remaining ensured victory, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett now the coach with the best winning record in grand final history with his sixth win, all with the Broncos.

For Storm the loss takes the gloss of what was a stunning romp through the regular season, Melbourne becoming only the second team after Manly in 1983 to lose a grand final after winning the regular season by eight points or more.

Down 14-8 with 14 minutes left on the clock, Storm thought they had levelled the match when Matt King appeared to cross for his second try of the night after cleaning up a Cooper Cronk kick, their celebrations cut short by video referee Bill Harrigan who ruled Ryan Hoffman had knocked-on in the lead up.

Having kept the Broncos waiting for about five minutes before they finally took to the field, Storm wasted little time in gaining the ascendancy with halfback Cronk making a long break downfield early.

Despite their early advantage it was the Broncos who went up 2-0 via Lockyer, Brisbane awarded a dubious penalty in front of Storm's posts when Clive Churchill medallist Shaun Berrigan appeared to lose the ball as he tried to push his way over from short range.

Cronk continued his bright early start with a 40-20 which put the Storm on the attack again, halves partner Scott Hill ensuring this opportunity wasn't wasted as he beat three players before delivering a one arm offload for Steve Turner to go over out wide.

But a knock-on from a Lockyer bomb meant Turner's moment in the sun was shortlived, the Storm flyer made to pay dearly for the error when a beautifully worked move between Shaun Berrigan and his skipper gave Justin Hodges an easy passage to the line.

Billy Slater then brought the crowd to its feet with a kick return which evoked memories of Benji Marshall's effort in last year's grand final, but there was no flick pass or try on the end of this 70 metre effort, only a Matt Geyer fumble which released the pressure on a ragged Broncos line.

Knowing his side would need plenty more points to overcome Storm, Lockyer declined a shot at goal three minutes out from the break in pursuit of a four-pointer which never eventuated, Brisbane talking an 8-4 lead into the sheds.

Brisbane started the second period with plenty of enterprise before a slashing 50 metre run from Greg Inglis put Storm on the front foot.

Melbourne received a second crack at the Brisbane line when Hodges was penalised for a high shot on Cameron Smith.

Hill was again heavily involved in putting Matt King over with a delicate short ball to lock it up at 8-8.

The Broncos edged ahead just short of the hour mark through a Corey Parker penalty and were soon up by six when Brent Tate finished off a desperate last play option, Lockyer running the ball on the last tackle after initially looking to get a kick in, Parker unable to land the sideline conversion which would have put his side up by more than a converted try.

Premier League Grand Final
Parramatta Eels 20 v Newtown Jets 19
at Telstra Stadium
Referee: Shayne Hayne

Match Summary: In a thrilling game of footy, Premier League minor premiers Parramatta Eels have been victorious over a gallant Newtown Jets by 20-19. The Jets began the stronger, opening up a 10-nil lead with tries to fullback Aidan Kirk in the 6th minute out wide before big Charlie Tonga barged his way across the chalk in the 10th minute to extend the lead. Shortly after the Eels clicked into gear and hit back through man-of-the-match Marcus Perenara. He found his way to the line next to the posts, clawing the score back to 10-6.

But a cantankerous Jets outfit wouldn't lie down, bagging up another four-pointer to winger Troy Malcolm in the 22nd minute to open up a 16-6 lead.Five minutes later the Eels were in again, with Perenara adding to his try-scoring feats. With the conversion they trailed 16-12 before Malcolm added another penalty goal in the 37th minute to push Newtown out to an 18-12 lead. Several opportunities came and went for the Eels before they finally found the line again, this time through the other Perenara, Henry. With the conversion the teams went into the sheds at 18-16.

The second half was a low-scoring affair, but Williams added another two thanks to a penalty and tied things up in the 46th minute. The remaining 45 minutes of play, including extra time, yielded three points and some very close shaves.

Marcus Perenara took the lead for the Eels in the 74th minute with a field goal before Josh Lewis levelled proceedings in the 78th to effectively take the game into extra time. Both sides traded blows in the final period before Perenara again found space to slot the match winner with only seconds remaining in the final period of extra time.

Scorers:

Parramatta Eels: 20 Tries: Marcus Perenara(2), Henry PerenaraGoals: John Williams 3/4Field Goals: Marcus Perenara

Newtown Jets: 19 Tries: Aiden Kirk, Troy Malcolm, Charlie TongaGoals: Josh Lewis 3/4 Field Goals: Josh Lewis

By the Clock:Great day out here at Telstra where the Eels and the Jets do battle in Premier League. There's plenty of first grade experience for both teams here.

Changes:Kenny-Odowall comes in for Lai for the Jets. The Eels are as per the program.Numbers 18-20 drop off the bench for both teams.

3 min: NEWS Both teams just settling into the contest here.

6 min: TRY Newtown JetsThe Jets open the scoring through fullback Aiden Kirk, who floats wide and takes a good ball before pushing of two defenders. Josh Lewis fails from close to the sideline. Jets 4-0

8 min: NEWS A bit of mayhem with the Eels failing to field a kick and nearly get scored against again. Mistakes aplenty by Parra. Kirk is off with a limp and blood nose.

10 min: TRY Newtown JetsPressing the line, big Charlie Tonga storms over the chalk to take advantage of the Jets good field position. Lewis nals this from next to the posts. Jets 10-0

13 min: TRY Parramatta EelsParra hit back with a try under the sticks to halfback Marcus Perenera. John Williams adds the extras and the minor premiers are back in the hunt. Jets 10-6

15 min: NEWS A vicious hit by Peter Lewis on Troy Malcolm sees the big prop on report.

22 min: TRY Newtown Jets A deft kick by Josh Lewis finds Malcolm lurking out wide to score for the Jets. Great looking try. Lewis adds the extras from out wide, learning from his previous mistake. Jets 16-6

25 min: NEWS Parra making plenty of errors here with the Jets applying pressure to the minor premiers. There could be another upset here at Telstra.

27 min: TRY Parramatta Eels The Eels are in again through halfback Perenera. He took the ball one off the ruck close to the line, dummied, jinked and barged over next to the posts. Williams adds the extras Jets 16-12

29 min: NEWS Parra knock-on from the restart!

32 min: NEWS Henry Perenera is denied a try by some great Jets defence close to the line.

37 min: PENALTY GOAL Newtown Jets Lewis adds another two thanks to a penalty. The Jets stretch their lead to a converted try and are looking good. Jets 18-12

40 min: TRY Parramatta Eels In a controversial try, the Eels push close to the line and Henry Perenera plants the ball out wide despite the attention of three Jets players. Williams just shades the posts from the sideline. Jets 18-16

40 min: NEWS A see-sawing game out here at Telstra with the minor premiers, the Parramatta Eels, staging a strong comeback to come within two points of the Jets at the break. The Eels look to have the momentum and could continue on in the second half. The Jets do have plenty of first grade experience and won't give up without a fight.

41 min: NEWS We're underway in the second half and it promises to be a rip-snorter!

45 min: NEWS Penalty to the Eels after the Jets hold back a player chasing a chip.

46 min: PENALTY GOAL Parramatta Eels Williams ties it up with a penalty as both teams look to stamp their authority on the second half. 18 all.

53 min: NEWS Jets get trapped in-goal as the Eels start to pressure them.

62 min: NEWS Parra starting to build to something here. This one could go down to the wire.

63 min: NEWS Now the Jets press the line but the final pass goes to ground.

68 min: NEWS Winger Troy Malcolm for the Jets goes so close, but is held up in a coach-killer.

71 min: NEWS Mistakes creeping into the game as the pressure intensifies.

73 min: NEWS Missed field goal attempt by Eels five-eighth Green.

74 min: FIELD GOAL Parramatta Eels The Eels snap a field goal through Marcus Perenera to take the lead. Eels 19-18

76 min: NEWS Malcom, for the Jets, grasses a golden opportunity to score out wide and take the lead.

78 min: NEWS 40-20 by Lewis for the Jets. We're set for an exciting finish!

78 min: FIELD GOAL Newtown Jets And we're all tied up here! Lewis slots a field goal and this one will probably go into extra time. 19 all.

79 min: NEWS Soward fails with a 50m field goal attempt.

80 min: NEWS We've gone to extra time here at Telstra Stadium. It's a thrilling game.

82 min: NEWS Massively open here with each side making breaks and coming close to scoring.

83 min: NEWS Following a great run by Lewis, Soward puts a terrible field goal up. It was a disgrace!

84 min: NEWS Jets charge down an Eels field goal!

86 min: NEWS The players are stuffed as we head into the second period of extra time.

87 min: NEWS Lewis misses another field goal.

88 min: FIELD GOAL Parramatta Eels And the Eels wrap it up through Marcus Perenera who pots his second for the day. Eels 20-19

Eels cherish golden field goal

UNSIGNED and with a baby on the way, Parramatta halfback Marcus Perenara put forward his case for a 2007 NRL contract with a man-of-the-match performance in the Eels' thrilling 20-19 extra-time victory over Newtown in the Premier League grand final.

Perenara scored two tries and kicked the winning field goal eight minutes into golden point extra time today to seal victory for the Eels in a re-match of the famous 1981 NSWRL grand final.

With Tommy Raudonikis, who captained the Jets in that 20-11 loss to Parramatta in 1981, watching from the sidelines and former Eels great Brett Kenny – who earlier coached Penrith to victory in the Jersey Flegg grand final – also at the ground, both sides squandered opportunities to claim the match in sudden death before Perenara calmly potted the winning shot – his second field goal of the day – from 20 metres.

"The other guys were very tired," Perenara said.

"We said at half-time we would have to work for it and we did that, we worked for it.

"I feel sorry for the Jets, but at the end of the day we won."

Perenara, who was also a key member of the Eels 2005 Premier League premiership, is unsigned for next season. His partner is also expecting their first child during the off season.
The 20-year-old looked to have sealed victory for the minor premier after kicking a 30m field goal in the 74th minute.

But the Jets – the feeder team of NRL club Sydney Roosters – forced the game into extra time when five-eighth Josh Lewis booted a 30m field goal with less than two minutes remaining.
Lewis missed two relatively easy shots in extra time, while Perenara also had an earlier chance charged down.

Just five points were scored by each side in the second half and extra time after Newtown had claimed an 18-16 lead at the break.

Eels winger John Williams pulled off a superb try-saving tackle on Jets flyer Troy Malcolm late in the second half to keep his side in the contest.

AAP