Hagan scraping the barrel at Eels

PARRAMATTA have opened talks to extend the contract of NSW Origin star Timana Tahu, with incoming coach Michael Hagan indicating the club's emphasis next season was likely to be on retention rather than recruitment.

As the Eels trained for the first time under Hagan yesterday, Brett Finch, Ian Hindmarsh and Todd Lowrie were the only new faces of note - despite the club's loss of a host of experienced players.

Among those joining other NRL clubs are five-eighth John Morris (Wests Tigers), fullback Wade McKinnon (Warriors), second-rower Dean Widders and halfback Jeremy Smith (South Sydney), and centre Brett Delaney and winger Matt Petersen (Gold Coast), while prop Michael Vella (Hull KR) and lock Glenn Morrison (Bradford) are headed to Super League.

But Hagan said the salary cap made it hard for clubs to recruit big-name players, particularly in the wake of the Titans' joining the premiership next season and competition from Europe.

"In the Gold Coast and Souths, you had two football teams that were very aggressive in the market place and there are a lot of players going to the UK and earning a lot of money, so we're competing with a lot of forces at the moment, and the salary cap, while it has shifted a little bit, it hasn't really shifted too far," Hagan said.

"Because of that, the spread of talent is going to be a bit thin and I guess the pressure to keep your best roster is pretty difficult. But I am pretty excited by the roster that is here, and the fact that there are a few young players who are under the radar that I would expect to come into first grade and play pretty well for us."

Parramatta have won the premier league competition for the past two years, and Hagan will look to some of those players to step up, but he also needs big seasons from the likes of Tahu and Finch if the Eels are to be successful.

Asked yesterday if his hooking days were over after being shifted into the front row last season by axed Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart, Finch said: "I hope so."

With Tim Smith the first-choice halfback, Finch has been promised the five-eighth jersey, and Hagan said he intended retaining Tahu in the centres after he had previously played him on the wing at Newcastle.

"I met with all of the players last week and I've got a fair idea of what their expectations are, and I think that Timana wants to establish himself as an outright centre in the game," Hagan said.

"I guess even at rep level he's probably been picked on the wing a little bit, so I'm more than happy to try and help him along that path. We're looking to try and extend his deal so hopefully that can be sorted out."

The Knights' connection at Parramatta, which also includes Finch, Lowrie and fullback Luke Burt, extends to assistant coach David Fairleigh and premier league mentor Rip Taylor, who form part of a far bigger off-field staff than Hagan ever had at Newcastle.

"There's a cost attached to all of those things - to having the best people and having them on staff full-time - and I think the resources have certainly been very good here for a long time,"
Hagan said.

"I'm fortunate that I've inherited a good football team and a very good set-up. It's something that I am grateful for and I'm looking forward to working with all of those people."

PARRAMATTA EXTEND RIDDELL'S CONTRACT

Parramatta hooker Mark Riddell has today extended his playing contract with the Eels and will remain with the club until the end of the 2009 season.Riddell has been with Parramatta for the last two seasons where he has already racked up 46 first grade appearances including 22 matches in 2006.

The 25-year-old started his NRL career with the Dragons in 2001 and played 92 first grade matches for the Red and White's. A St Christophers junior, Riddell enjoyed a stellar 2005 season and this year endured a rough year on and off the field. Riddell was dropped to Premier League mid-season following an alcohol related incident with Tim Smith and his on field performances didn't live up to those from 2005.

However, Parramatta saw fit to extend Riddell's contract where he'll be at the Eels for at least another three seasons believing in his potential and ability.

Riddell said, "I'm really excited to be staying at Parramatta. I love everything about this place and I'm looking forward to the years ahead."

The Club has shown a lot of faith in me and I know the best way to repay that is by helping the team to be successful."

Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Denis Fitzgerald said, "Mark has impressed everyone since he arrived a couple of seasons ago and he is a very popular player both amongst his team mates and with the supporters."

Thanks for the Good times Big Vella

Hey guys it is with sadness that I report today big Mick Vella has left the Parramatta Eels to head over to the UK Super League. He has been a tremendous servant of the club and featured prominently in the great side of 2001, and even went on to represent Australia.

To the great man, we salute you, and all the best over in UK, I'm sure you will kill it over there!

Former Australia prop Michael Vella has been released by Parramatta to take up a three-year deal with newly promoted Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers. The Eels have been linked with ex-Penrith and Roosters forward Richard Fa'aoso.