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."