Eels give Price his statue

PARRAMATTA great Ray Price owns a million magic moments - and now one of them is set to be immortalised forever.

The Parramatta Stadium Trust yesterday surrendered to people power and amazingly agreed to erect a statue of Price outside his old stomping ground.

The decision, which follows a week-long campaign by The Daily Telegraph, means a bronzed likeness of the 1980s hero will now be unveiled during league's 2008 centenary celebrations.

"This is all such a shock, incredibly humbling," Price said last night from his Budgewoi home.

"And the first thing I want to do is thank all The Daily Telegraph readers, all the Parramatta fans and all the supporters of league generally who have pushed for this. Because without these people, mate, I'm nothing."

The Parramatta Stadium Trust has been taking heavy fire since we exclusively revealed their decision to rename the famous Ray Price Lounge for "business" reasons.

The move had angry sponsors threatening to withdraw cash and fans tearing up their memberships. Fellow great Brett Kenny even insisted the board take back his terrace honour.
And while stadium manager Luke Coleman yesterday confirmed Pricey's bar would still be renamed The Cumberland Lounge, he said it was "obvious" a much higher honour was now appropriate for a hero of four Eels premierships.

"I was just hoping to get my bar back but the response has been incredible," Price continued when asked about joining bronzed greats Wally Lewis and Laurie Daley.

"I mean, Peter Kelly Flooring were going to quit their sponsorship after 30 years. And Brett Kenny, mate, that's one of the greatest honours I've ever received from a teammate."

Parramatta greats, supporters and club officials all welcomed news of the statue yesterday - which will most likely sit just outside the northeastern corner of the stadium.

And leading the charge was 1981 premiership captain Steve Edge, who said the decision would satisfy a number of angry Eels who had contacted him in the past week.

"Guys like Mick Cronin, Peter Wynn, we were all upset by it," Edge said.

"I just don't think the Trust understood what Ray Price means to this club."

Cult supporter Parramatta Jesus, aka John Ryan, was also rapt with the decision - saying the statue would become "like Mecca for all Eels fans".

"When you think about a player bleeding for Parramatta, you think Pricey," Ryan enthused. "I just can't believe you're telling me this . . . it's insane."

But what image does a duel international who played 22 Tests, 15 matches for NSW and 257 games for the Eels hope they use?

"Oh, I'm not sure to be honest," Price laughed.

"I don't really mind what they choose. Although some of my workmates have come up with a couple of suggestions today . . . a few even joked about going with the old praying mantis pose."

Stadium Trust Chairman Craig Gallagher stressed his board "never intended to slight a Parramatta great" and said the new statue would be unveiled "as soon as possible" in 2008.

There will also be a Ray Price Suite in the corporate area of the stadium.

Parramatta's Smith suspended indefinitely

Parramatta halfback Tim Smith has been suspended indefinitely by the National Rugby League club.

Smith was ordered to meet with Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald this morning after being caught drinking less than a week after agreeing to abstain from alcohol.

Last Friday Smith was fined $1000 by the club and ordered to avoid alcohol for a year following a drunken incident.

An Eels spokesman said Smith remained on contract with the club, and that the most important issue was his health.

The spokesman said Smith had voluntarily checked himself into rehab "to address a number of complex issues".

"He has been suspended until everyone involved including the player, the club and the medical practitioners can review and assess Tim's rehabilitation," he said.

There were fears the Eels would tear Smith's contract up after the club found the 22-year-old had been drinking just days after being issued a 12-month alcohol ban.

But Eels teammates Mark Riddell and Brett Finch reportedly urged the club to help Smith rather than axe him.

Last week, Smith was fined and slapped with the booze ban after it was reported he allegedly intimidated, swore at and made obscene finger gestures at a member of the public while intoxicated.

It was not the first time Smith had been punished by the club for an alcohol-related indiscretion.
Last season, the Queensland playmaker was threatened with the sack and fined $A10,000 for intoxicated behaviour.

Hayne sacrifice pressure for Krisnan

PARRAMATTA winger Jarryd Hayne has signed for less money than he could have earned at another NRL club because he wants to keep fellow young gun Krisnan Inu at the Eels.

With Hayne, 19, and Inu, 20, due to come off contract at the end of next season, Parramatta was given little chance of keeping both backline aces until Hayne yesterday agreed to a new two-year deal.

The pressure is now on Inu to match Hayne's loyalty after the Test winger signed for an estimated $550,000 over two years - with reports he could have earned $800,000 over the same period at another club - so the Eels had salary-cap room to keep the Kiwi international.

"That's probably why I did take the pay cut, because I pretty well understand that Krisnan needs to come under the cap as well," Hayne said.

"I understand that and when you play with mates it doesn't seem like a pay cut because you know you're having fun. I'd rather play for less money and be in finals than play for more money and not be in the top eight."

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said player manager Wayne Beavis had negotiated Hayne's deal with an understanding of the club's salary cap position and desire to keep both youngsters. Fitzgerald said the club could now make an offer which would squeeze Inu under the $4million ceiling.

"We've started having discussions with Krisnan and his manager Isaac Moses, so we're hopeful and confident of a satisfactory resolution over probably the next month," Fitzgerald said.

"We've got a few dollars there. We can make him a very attractive offer. I think he's a lot like Jarryd. He's very happy here and he wants to stay here with all his mates."

Hayne puts loyalty before cash

JARRYD Hayne is poised to ignore a $2million windfall to stay loyal to Parramatta, the club that gave him his start.

The teenage sensation has given the clearest indication yet that he will re-sign with the Eels. Hayne is among the hottest talents on the market and is on the Rabbitohs' hit list courtesy of a five-year deal estimated at $400,000 a season.

But Hayne, whose Parramatta deal expires at the end of next year, said he won't be swayed by big numbers.

"Hopefully we can finalise something as soon as possible with Parramatta,'' Hayne said. ``I want to stay at Parra. It's where I was born and bred and where I've gained my start. I really don't see myself leaving.

"I see myself as just a kid still growing ... so there's no point chasing coin and the massive deals.
Right now, there's no reason to leave or go chasing money here or in England.

"I don't need the money. I'm happy where I am financially at now.''

However, the emerging superstar is at the centre of a major bidding war.

It's understood Hayne and his manager Wayne Beavis will meet with Eels officials this week.
But Russell Crowe's cashed-up Rabbitohs have made no secret of their desire to lure Hayne to the club where his father Manoa Thompson played.

The NSW and Australia outside back is seen as a potential marquee player at Redfern, but Thompson's allegiances to the Rabbits will have little influence on Hayne.

"That won't even come into it. I'm my own man. I've got to look after No1,'' Hayne said.

He is also in the sights of the Bulldogs and the Sharks.

"The only thing that would make me want to move was if I didn't find it a challenge at the club ... and I still find it a challenge here at Parra.

"With Nathan Hindmarsh and Nath Cayless, they're going to be legends for both Australia and New Zealand, so there's no worry from my end as far as talent and experience goes at the club.

"I've got a lot of good mates and a lot of friendships there. Where we're at now we can really give the NRL (premiership) a real shake.''

Hayne added that the prospect of switching to centre, following the departure to rugby union of Timana Tahu, offered further appeal, stating: "There's an opportunity to nail down that spot for a few years at Parramatta.''

The only downside to Hayne's likely decision to stick with the Eels would be the effect on close friend and team-mate Krisnan Inu.

Inu, also off contract at the end of next year, is still a major priority for the Eels but fitting them both under the salary cap could prove difficult.

After a breakout year, Inu, now a New Zealand international, is also in the sights of several clubs.

"I know it's tough for the club ... there's a few guys off contract, including Krisnan,'' Hayne said.

"It would be a good challenge (playing against him) ... especially if we came up against each other in the centres.''

Kenny blames Eels over Smith

TROUBLED Eels star Tim Smith was yesterday banned from drinking until the end of 2008 as punishment for his latest alcohol-fuelled disgrace - but Brett Kenny says it is too late.

The Parramatta legend last night hit out at his former club, declaring the Eels were partly to blame for Smith's disturbing behaviour.

Kenny, a premiership winning five-eighth, said the Eels have let the talented game-breaker get away with too much for too long.

"What is this? His third of fourth indiscretion?," Kenny said.

"They needed to have a good talk to him, but they have left it too late.

"The club have been at fault from the word go.

"He has been in strife with grog before and I think if they came down harder on him in the past then it wouldn't have happened as much."

The halfback was hauled before Eels management yesterday and forced to agree to a 12-month alcohol ban after allegedly intimidating, swearing and making obscene finger gestures at 55-year-old Charles Brincat.

Brincat complained to the club after a "heavily intoxicated" Smith abused him last Sunday. He said Smith could barely stand up.

Just last year, Parramatta threatened to terminate Smith's contract after a series of drunken incidents.

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald yesterday said Smith had telephoned the Sydney grandfather and apologised for his actions.

"We had a very positive meeting with Tim this morning and he was very sorry that his drunkenness and actions let down the club and its fans," Fitzgerald said.

"He telephoned the complainant to apologise for any of his actions or words that may have offended the man and his family."

Smith confessed to having a problem with alcohol and has agreed to undergo counselling.
He was also fined $1000.

"Tim admitted he has a problem with alcohol and will continue to have counselling sessions with a leading specialist in alcohol related behaviour," coach Michael Hagan said.

Kenny warned Smith not to throw his career away. "He is earning good money," Kenny said.

"Certainly more than any other kid his age. He has to realise that he has an opportunity to set himself up in the future.

"He has to concentrate on his football. I have seen a lot of guys that have gone to the wayside."

Kenny also accused the Eels of putting too much pressure on Smith in the past.

"You think about what has happened to him and the club is to blame for a lot of it," Kenny said.

"They have put a lot of pressure on him with the comparisons to Peter Sterling and they should have done more to dismiss them.

"Maybe he read it and started to believe it. But he just has to knuckle down and play some good football.

"He has to learn from this."

Eels pin hopes on Joey's magic

PARRAMATTA have their eyes set on an NRL premiership, banking that one-on-one coaching from the game's greatest halfback will add to their sparkling attack in 2008.

The Eels lost to eventual premiers Melbourne in the 2007 preliminary final.

But despite being one week shy of the grand final, Parramatta's maligned halves were criticised for most of the year.

Brett Finch and Tim Smith are perhaps the NRL's two most critiqued players, but Eels coach Michael Hagan is confident direct tutelage from Andrew Johns will take both their games to the next level.

And that's a serious concern for the rest of the NRL, with the Eels shaping as early contenders for next year's premiership.

"For our attacking game, (Johns) will add a lot to what we can do," said Hagan, whose Eels were ranked sixth in the NRL for tries scored in 2007.

"It's an opportunity for them to improve as players.

"In the end, they (Finch and Smith) got our team to within a week of the grand final. I didn't really agree with the criticism they copped at different times of the year.

"They're going to be very good for us this year and I think Feleti Mateo will probably come in and play a bit of six (five-eighth) at times this year.

"The reason (Johns) is coming is to improve the individuals and the team and that's the motive and what he wants to do."

Finch has no doubts Johns could be the final piece in the puzzle for Parramatta to improve on their 2007 efforts.

"Well, that's what we're paying him for," said Finch when asked if Johns could help the Eels win a premiership.

"We weren't too far away last year and we got criticised but we certainly put up a great fight to Melbourne who ended up winning the grand final in a canter.

"So we're very confident with the team we've got here.

"We lose a couple of important guys like Timana (Tahu) and Ian Hindmarsh but certainly with Joey's help I know our game is going to get a lot better and hopefully that will help us in the long run."

Johns started his first session at Parramatta today with some "reasonably basic" training drills among the group of six halves, which included backrower Mateo.

Hooker Mark Riddell and fullback Luke Burt will also join the group during the year with Johns to conduct weekly sessions at the Eels.

But Smith and Finch aren't expecting an overhaul of Parramatta's freeflowing football, rather polish added to their sometimes erratic displays.

"It's just the finer details he used to carve out such a great career, just a little polish," Finch said.

"It was pretty basic today but as the weeks go on I'm sure we'll go down the track further."

Smith, who along with Johns is one of the best exponents of the banana kick, says trickery won't be part of their practice sessions.

"We'll just worry about the simple stuff. If you ask him he will tell you the simple stuff wins games,"Smith said.

"He is a great player and you just want to learn from him.

"What he did in the game on the footy field was remarkable and he will be a big influence on us, especially the halves."

Stand down Nick, says Denis

PARRAMATTA chief executive Denis Fitzgerald caused a furore yesterday by demanding powerful rugby league figure Nick Politis resign from the NRL partnership board.

Fitzgerald told yesterday's NRL chief executives conference in the Hunter Valley that no director affiliated with a club should be allowed on either of the NRL boards.

Politis, the Sydney Roosters chairman, sits on the NRL partnership board while Cronulla chairman Barry Pierce and St George Illawarra director Bob Millward are NRL board directors.
Pierce, Millward and Politis - all ARL appointed - last night quickly rejected Fitzgerald's claim.

But Fitzgerald - the self-appointed doyen of CEOs - claimed the three directors should stand down to ensure "transparency and independence".

"These days there is far more emphasis on corporate governance and compliance," Fitzgerald said.

"All 12 directors (six on each) should not have a present formal position with any of the 16 NRL clubs.

"I think the ARL and News Limited should make this policy in the interests of all clubs and in the perception of fairness, transparency and independence. The three directors should stand down."

Told about Fitzgerald's comments, Politis said: "I wouldn't stoop low enough to comment on such a silly statement."

Pierce claimed Fitzgerald's claims smacked of hypocrisy.

"Denis was once on the ARL, NSWRL and NRL boards while Parramatta CEO," he said.

"Bob (Millward) and I were appointed by the ARL and we've never had a problem.

"If ever there was a conflict, I would abstain (from voting). We have the full support of people in the game.

"Everyone has an opinion but Bob and I have worked hard on these boards for a long time."

Millward took little notice of Fitzgerald's comments.

"I've got very little to say on it. I wonder whether Denis says it tongue-in-cheek," he said.

"We've never encountered a conflict of interest and if we do we'd abstain."

Meanwhile, the NRL CEOs yesterday agreed to a forum in the new year to discuss rugby league's long-term future.

"Early next year it will be time for a strategic look at the game," Cowboys CEO Peter Parr said.

"The Sydney clubs are facing some real challenges and we have to look at different revenue streams and make sure the game remains healthy."

The CEOs also agreed to further investigate developing "new media" models, sponsorship structures and venue arrangements as part of their strategic review.

"The centenary season will certainly be a great tribute and it already represents two years planning," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.

"Today we've taken clubs through a detailed schedule of more than 80 centenary events.

"But at the same time as we are putting those plans into action, we need to be looking closely at options for 2009 and beyond to complement our existing strategic documents.

"Clearly there are lot of financial pressures building on our clubs just as there is an ever changing media and technology landscape."

Bronze statue call for Price

ANGRY Eels fans have thrown their support behind embattled hero Ray Price - demanding the club erect a statue of the legend outside Parramatta Stadium.

In a staggering show of unity, The Daily Telegraph was yesterday inundated with phone calls and emails after exclusively revealing a decision to rename the Ray Price Lounge at Parramatta Stadium.

More than 1500 readers also responded to our website poll, with 93% labelling the decision by Parramatta Stadium Trust "the ultimate insult".

As a result, furious supporters are now demanding the club erect a monument similar to the one of Wally Lewis outside Suncorp Stadium.

"Because Ray Price epitomises this club," cult supporter John Ryan, aka Parramatta Jesus, said last night.

"Sure, people will argue about our greatest player. But I think everyone agrees Pricey represents what this club has always been about.

"I mean, that's why people are so upset.

"I was on your website at four o'clock (yesterday morning) and people were already blowing up.

"A statue of Pricey outside Parramatta Stadium is the perfect way to show him exactly what he has and always will mean here."

Canberra have already erected a bronzed likeness of champion playmaker Laurie Daley outside their stadium while British club St Helens is preparing to do the same for Keiron Cunningham.

And yesterday Eels supporters were threatening to boycott games, hand in memberships, even form a petition to oust chief executive Denis Fitzgerald unless demands were met.

In response, Eels officials sent out a release distancing themselves from the decision, while also stating Fitzgerald was not at the meeting which ratified the changes.

Venue manager Luke Coleman had, however, previously described the decision of the seven-man board as "unanimous".

Eels dump Ray Price

THEY called him Mr Perpetual Motion - but Parramatta hero Ray Price has finally been floored by the ultimate insult.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, Price has slammed the Eels for stripping his name from the main lounge bar at Parramatta Stadium.

In a letter received from the Stadium Trust last week, the Eels legend was told his room had been renamed the Cumberland Lounge for "business strategy" reasons.

The snubbing means there is now not one public facility - grandstand, terrace, lounge or bar - named after the only man to play in all seven Parramatta grand finals.

"Mate, the whole thing is pathetic, sickens me," Price fired yesterday.

"I mean, why give me something if you're only going to take it away again?

"And then to come up with some excuse about it being for a business strategy or something. Is my name really that f...... bad?"

Despite being arguably the greatest Parramatta player ever, Price has never received the same honours as fellow champions Ken Thornett, Michael Cronin, Peter Sterling or Brett Kenny.

And the Budgewoi carpenter fears this latest insult is the result of his ongoing feud with Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald - himself one of seven Trust board members.

"There's definitely a stench to it," Price conceded.

"I mean, first they took down the (Ray Price Lounge) sign for a couple of years. I know that because I went in there and the bloody thing was gone.

"Even when I received life membership they gave me grandstand tickets on halfway, but do you know where they are now? They're down behind the dead ball line.

"So what can you say? Do they really want me gone that bad?"

Defending the board's decision, Fitzgerald last night said the lounge was hired out "100 times a year" for weddings, seminars and corporate functions.

"So it's not just a football room," he said.

Eels chairman Alan Overton agreed the renamed room would be "easier to hire out" while venue manager Luke Coleman described the decision as "unanimous".

As a trade-off, Price's name will now be attached to a smaller suite in the corporate bleachers - a decision already angering club supporters.

"Because Pricey is a hero to the battlers, not the suits," Joe Saad, a fan for 30 years, spat. "But they'll probably take that too . . . eventually just name a chair after him."

Asked if he feared his footprint being removed from the club completely, Price added: "That's probably their aim, yeah.

"But to be honest, I don't give a s... about the officials. The only people I care about these days are the fans.

"And I still have my achievements. That and all the great memories . . . mate, they can't take that away from me."