Tim Smith: Indefinite leave

PARRAMATTA halfback Tim Smith has been granted indefinite leave from the NRL club to overcome his battle with bipolar disorder.

Smith approached the Eels this morning and advised his team-mates at training today of his plans to take time away from the sport and return to his family on the Gold Coast to recover from his mental health problems.

Smith says he has been battling with bipolar disorder for 18 months and told his team-mates he wants to get himself right before he can begin to focus on football again.

"This morning I made a request to the club to be stood down from this weekend's game," said Smith, reading from a prepared statement.

"They have granted me leave and I have just had a meeting with my team-mates to tell them of where I am at.

"I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 18 months ago. In this time I have been seeking professional advice and professional medical help to help me deal with day to day life of bipolar disorder.

"I am not using bipolar disorder for any negative things or any decisions I've made in the past. However, I am not coping well with the pressure and public scrutiny I am under."

His manager, David Riolo, said Smith had made a very brave decision but has no doubt he'll return to the NRL.

"I have no doubt he will come back," said Riolo.

"He is a quality person from a good family and he'll work hard to get back from this."

Smith has a long history of misdemeanours at the NRL club involving alcohol and spent part of the preseason in a rehabilitation clinic on the Gold Coast.

He has also suffered from depression and arrived at the club around 11am today with Riolo, two hours after the scheduled morning session.

Eels coach Michael Hagan was due to speak to the media following the session but cancelled at the last minute after noting Smith's absence.

Smith has played just three NRL games this year in his comeback from shoulder surgery and has copped the brunt of the criticism for the Eels successive losses.

But his teammates have stood behind him, with halves partner Brett Finch sympathising with the 23-year-old over the ongoing criticism.

"The continual criticism, I've had it myself in my career and it certainly gets you down and you get sick of hearing it," said Finch prior to training today.

"I thought (Smith) played pretty well on the weekend. I thought his kicking game was strong.

"I feel sorry for him because I know what he is going through, you certainly don't like to see your teammates cop that criticism all the time."

Sackings not the answer for Eels: Cayless

Eels 20 lost to Gold Coast 28

Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless has called for calm at the selection table, claiming that sacking players is not the solution to the Eels' stuttering start to the NRL season.

The Eels slumped to a 28-20 loss to Gold Coast at Parramatta Stadium last night and now have only two scratchy wins against the Bulldogs and Newcastle to show for their first five weeks' effort.

With a meeting against arch-rivals Manly kicking off the NRL's heritage round on Friday night, the Eels need to find some answers in a hurry, but Cayless doesn't think wholesale changes are required.

"We can't give up and go sacking everyone and dropping everyone," Cayless said.

"You've got to stick with the boys ... everyone busted their arses out there."It was a big effort to get back into the game but the NRL's getting too hard these days, you can't give teams a head start and expect to run them down every week."

Most conjecture this week will centre on out of sorts halfback Tim Smith, who again struggled to impose himself on the game last night.

His lack of self belief and control was shown up sensationally as opposite Scott Prince ran the Eels ragged all night, and it was only when five-eighth Brett Finch started to assert himself that the home side looked capable of snatching the points. The Eels could be without Mark Riddell for the clash against the Sea Eagles - who also have just two wins to their name - after the hooker suffered a recurrence of the shoulder/chest injury he first suffered against Newcastle two weeks ago.

The nuggety rake will have scans early this week but it is believed Eels medical officials are leaning towards giving him a week off.

Gold Coast showed they could get the job done without an inspirational forward of their own last night after they made a mockery of claims they would struggle without prop Luke Bailey, who is out with a broken arm.

While his co-skipper Scott Prince was brilliant, coach John Cartwright heaped praise on some of the lesser lights who had stepped in to fill the breach.

"We did win a couple of times last year without Bails, he's very important to the side but probably the difference this year to last year is a lot of the guys from one to 17 are contributing a lot more," Cartwright said.

"It's going to stand us in good stead because there is rep footy ahead, the injuries always come."I was just really pleased for those guys that probably played bit parts last year who really put their hand up tonight."

Cartwright said he was hopeful of having five-eighth Mat Rogers available to take on Brisbane on Friday night after he was put on report for lifting Luke Burt midway through the second half.

Cowboys bulldoze Eels

Cowboys 38 - Eels 14

NORTH Queensland celebrated the appointment of their new coach Neil Henry and answered a torrent of criticism by belting Parramatta.

Prop Carl Webb, slammed by former Queensland and Australia prop Greg Dowling during the week for his poor form over the opening month of the season, set the tone for the Cowboys' first win of 2008 in front of 19,231 loyal Dairy Farmers Stadium fans by scoring the opening try after only four minutes.

The Eels - whose performance was reminiscent of their loss to the Warriors two weeks ago - were fortunate to be still in the game at 20-10 by halftime.

But despite the absence of injured fullback Matt Bowen, the Cowboys went on with the job in the second half. Second rower Jacob Lillyman scored on the next ruck after a long Ty Williams break in the 57th minute and then centre Mark Henry forced his way over in the 61st.

Compounding the woes of Parramatta coach Michael Hagan was three players - five-eighth Brett Finch, second rower Daniel Wagon and centre Joel Reddy - being booked for a lifting tackle on Luke O'Donnell in the 11th minute.

Cowboys replacement Shane Tronc could also be a bit of trouble for a late challenge on Finch after he had kicked the ball in the 47th minute. The defeat continues Parramatta's poor record in Townsville, where they have failed to win since 2000. Five minutes after Webb's try, they were in again with hooker Aaron Payne darting out of dummy-half and linking with Steve Southern, who found five-eighth Justin Smith backing up to score.

The Eels hit back with tries to Brett Finch and Eric Grothe but were never really in the hunt against a Cowboys side playing full of confidence of days gone by. With Johnathan Thurston converted both tries for a 12-0 lead.

Parramatta was given another headache in the 11th minute when three players were booked by rookie referee Bernard Sutton for a spear tackle on North Queensland lock Luke O'Donnell.
Sutton called out Joel Reddy and Daniel Wagon to caution them but replays showed Brett Finch was also involved.

The Cowboys' inept attack of the previous month was nowhere to be seen and the Eels looked sluggish but somehow the visitors managed to stay in the game, Tim Smith kicking for five-eighth Brett Finch to swoop after Webb had conceded a penalty. Luke Burt's goal narrowed the margin to six but after Parramatta made errors deep in their own territory on two occasions, halfback Thurston made them pay in the 28th minute by putting fullback Josh Graham over for another Cowboys try.

At 18-6, North Queensland threatened to run away with the game but Eels centre Jarryd Hayne took an intercept with another Cowboy try in the offing and raced 60 metres before slowing up and losing posession.

NQ fumbled themselves, giving the Michael Hagan's men a scrumfeed, and Finch's pass put winger Eric Grothe over in the corner for an unconverted try which kept Parramatta in touch.

The scoreboard ticked over to North Queensland 20 Parramatta 10 when Thurston booted a penalty goal on halftime following a ball-strip.

After the match Parramatta captain Nathan Cayless was brutally honest in the appraisal of his team.

"We were pretty awful, we've got to put that one down to attitude,'' Cayless said.

"We trained well all week, but we didn't turn up with the right attitude.''

When asked later to expand on his comments, he said: "I include myself in that. We're very disappointed. We talked about the Cowboys being desperate, we talked about how they would want to win. But in the end you have to get out on the field and do it, and we didn't''.

Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston praised the efforts of Carl Webb, who was criticised during the week by former Test prop Greg Dowling.

"It was Carl Webb who really inspired us with his first 20 minutes, he led from the front,'' Thurston said. "When he's at his damaging best, he's hard to stop.''

Fulltime

NORTH QUEENSLAND 38 (A Graham M Henry J Lillyman J Smith A Watts C Webb tries J Thurston 7 goals) bt

PARRAMATTA 14 (B Finch E Grothe T Tautai tries L Burt goal) at Dairy Farmers Stdm.

Referee: B Sutton.
Crowd: 19,231.

Cayless relives vital kick

NATHAN Cayless laughs as he describes his regular kicking practice, launching left-footed bombs before training, aiming to hit Eels team-mates in the head.

But the Eels skipper says he just wanted to stop the "mucking around'' when he kicked a crucial field goal in Friday night's 24-23 golden-point win over the Newcastle Knights.

Cayless has absorbed the jokes - and has made some at his own expense - since landing the shock one-pointer that sent Friday's match into extra time.

Former Canberra Raiders premiership-winning prop Paul Osborne confronted Cayless immediately after the game, revoking his membership to the frontrowers club.

Cayless, too, says his only previous attempt at a field goal was when he was playing for Parramatta's Under-17 SG Ball team, and he dribbled it all the way along the ground from 20m out.

But with Parramatta trailing 23-22 and looking panicked in attack, Cayless stayed calm.

"It was just one of those things that happened. We were mucking around with the ball down there and, I dunno, I just kicked it,'' Cayless said.

"I'm glad it went over, otherwise it could have been very embarrassing.''

Cayless, who is left-footed, said Friday night's would be his first and last field goal.

Retired Eels forward Ian Hindmarsh kicked a similar one last season to seal a win over Penrith.

"Maybe you just get a bit older and know what needs to be done,'' Cayless said.

"It was a bit of a shock, I suppose. All the boys out on the field were a bit shocked, I think the crowd was shocked and I was shocked myself.''

Kicking spontaneity was contagious, Knights forward Corey Paterson attempting to kick a long-range field goal to snatch a win in the dying seconds of regular time.

"He got under that a bit too much; he's got to keep his head down,'' Cayless laughed.

Despite his heroics, Cayless reserved most praise for Nathan Hindmarsh, who played just two days after losing his father Bill to cancer.

"It was a very courageous effort. Speaking from personal experience, it took me a couple of weeks to be able to get back and play footy (after his mother's death last season).''

NRL comeback kids get job done for Eels

They both walked away winners, but it's a fair bet to say Parramatta's 'comeback kids' Tim Smith and Nathan Hindmarsh would have been experiencing vastly different emotions in the Eels dressing room on Friday night.

The Eels had just walked away from a thrilling 24-23 golden point win over Newcastle, a clash that over the last few years has taken on new meaning following the coaching switcheroo between the two clubs before last season.

Just days after the death of his father following a long battle with cancer, Hindmarsh played all 83-and-a-half minutes of the contest.

Not bad for a forward who no doubt would have been drained of emotion and energy after a ten day hiatus from the training paddock.

"I thought (Hindmarsh) was outstanding, to get through 80 minutes of footy in the circumstances," Eels coach Michael Hagan said.

"It says a fair bit about his capacity and his determination to help the team and again the unquestionable effort that he displayed and he just adds confidence to what the team does.

"We're thankful that he did agree to play and it'll be a difficult couple of days for him and his family moving forward as well."

Hindmarsh's late father Bill will be laid to rest in his home town of Robertson on Tuesday, the Test star unlikely to get too many training runs under his belt again this week with Parramatta set to head to Townsville on Thursday to prepare for Saturday night's clash with winless North Queensland.

Smith also made his return to the top grade, and he must have known he would be in for a tough night when the kick-off when between his legs and over the dead ball line.

It did get better for the former rookie of the year, but he took a back seat for much of the game with halves partner Brett Finch orchestrating much of Parramatta's attack.

"I thought he was a bit rusty and personally I thought the team would take a number of weeks to get going," Hagan said.

"I still think that our best football is in front of us at this stage."

Eels hooker Mark Riddell will undergo an x-ray later on Saturday with team medical officials now hopeful the nuggety No.9 may have suffered rib damage rather than a potentially more serious pectoral muscle tear.

Riddell woke up in great deal of pain on Saturday morning after being forced from the field in the second half when he twisted awkwardly trying to reach out for the tryline.

The results of scans are unlikely to be known until Monday.

Eels beat Knights

24-23 in extra time!

Smith's boot to boost Eels

TIM Smith's kicking game has been the clincher for his return to the Parramatta Eels team for their first Parra Stadium match of the season against the Newcastle Knights on Friday.

Brett Finch kicked poorly from halfback in last Sunday's 30-16 away loss to the Warriors.

Smith played the first two rounds of the season with the Wenty Magpies in the NSW Cup after an off-season that saw him have shoulder surgery and a short stint in rehab for alcohol-related problems.

Eels coach Michael Hagan said he was always looking at bringing back Smith around this time.

"He's played pretty well in NSW Cup with Wentworthville," Hagan said.

"I just think his kicking game is important and that will take a bit of pressure off Brett Finch in that area."

Finch reverts to five-eighth and Feleti Mateo, who has filled the No. 6 jersey well in the opening two games, goes back to lock.

"It won't change the way he plays too much, I don't think," Hagan said of Mateo.

Daniel Wagon has been paired in the second row with Nathan Hindmarsh, who missed the trip to Auckland with the flu.

"It was a pretty physical game against the Warriors and I thought we were well in it," Hagan said.

"At 53 minutes in, it was 12-10 (to the Warriors) and we came up with a crucial error in our end which led to them scoring, and they then scored pretty quickly thereafter.

"It wasn't a lack of effort. They probably handled the field position and the possession a bit better than we did, to be honest."

The Eels are in the midst of a short week of preparation between Sunday and Friday games.

"That was the other thing. We always knew it would be a tough road trip in round two and a quick turnaround for round three," Hagan said.

"We're not going to dwell on the Warriors game too much.

"We know we'll get better Nathan Hindmarsh and Tim Smith will add a lot to the footy team but we also understand it's going to take a couple of weeks for blokes to get back into their routine and get to the required level of match fitness."

He said back-rower Weller Hauraki and star centre Jarryd Hayne were "a bit underdone" after their opening-round ban.

The Toyota Cup under-20s beat the Warriors 26-22.

The Eels play Newcastle at Parramatta Stadium on Friday, with Toyota Cup at 5.20pm and NRL at 7.30pm.

Warriors beat Eels - 30 to 16

Ivan Cleary hailed his young forwards after the New Zealand Warriors turned around a shaky season start to beat Parramatta 30-16 in their NRL match in Auckland.

Giant winger Manu Vatuvei was again at his best and worse, mixing two tries and block-busting runs with handling fumbles as he did in the error-strewn loss to Melbourne last weekend.

But it was the less experienced forwards, who took added responsibility in the absence of injured skipper Steve Price, who drew Cleary's warmest praise after the Warriors led 12-6 at halftime and ran way with the game before 15,250 fans.

It was only the second win by the Warriors in their past nine meetings with the Eels and Cleary mentioned interchange forwards Evarn Tuimavave and Epalahame Lauaki and prop Sam Rapira as players who had stepped up.

"They are going to have keep doing that. Today was a good start," Cleary said.

"It was good today as well that the second half we started without Ruben (Wiki) and (Nathan) Fien and Logan (Swann) on the bench, it was a young team out there and I was really happy with the way we started the second half," Cleary said.

Acting captain, Wiki agreed: "You know watching from the sidelines it was great to see them putting their hands up and sharing the work load around.

"It just kind of showed everyone how far they have come," he said.

Wiki said Vatuvei had demonstrated his ability to recover and hit back after setbacks.
"If he does make an error, he bounces back straight away," he said.

"He's shown everyone how much he's grown."

Five-eighth Michael Witt converted all five of the Warriors' tries to maintain his 100 percent record for the year.

Parramatta were without forward star Nathan Hindmarsh, recovering from flu.

The Eels jumped out to an early lead with a Luke Burt penalty and Eric Grothe try but Vatuvei hit back for the home side when he brushed through Grothe to score in the corner.

And the Warriors went ahead when they scored from the kickoff, when centre Jerome Ropati regathered halfback Grant Rovelli's kick and sent Rovelli over for a try.

Vatuvei's error contributed to the Eels' second try early in the second half when he lost the ball in a tackle and Joel Reddy scored from that possession.

But the Warriors then piled on three quick tries through Vatuvei, recruit Brent Tate and Tuimavave to ensure the win.

Eels coach Michael Hagan praised the Warriors effort.

"We knew they would be stinging after their loss to Melbourne and I thought they played very well," Hagan said.

"I thought they played with a lot of quality and they executed things extremely well and put us under a lot of pressure.

"I wasn't expecting we would be at our best in the first couple of weeks, but the boys worked hard I thought, and defended on their lives for long periods.

"I am sure we will get better from here and we would need to," he said.

Inu to miss clash with Warriors

Kiwis utility Krisnan Inu will miss the Parramatta Eels trip to Auckland for this Sunday's NRL match against the Warriors.

Inu injured his ankle in round one and is expected to be out of action for six weeks following surgery today.

Jarryd Hayne will take Inu's place in the centres after missing the season-opener following a suspension by the club.

Troubled Eel told to fight for his place

PARRAMATTA star Jarryd Hayne yesterday issued the challenge to teammate Tim Smith to knuckle down and force his way back into the Eels' starting side.

While Hayne will step out for the Eels against the Warriors in New Zealand on Sunday - the 20-year-old's first game since being shot at in an incident at Kings Cross - Smith will again be forced to run around in the NSW Cup for Wentworthville.

And should Brett Finch and Feleti Mateo again fire in the halves on the other side of the Tasman this weekend, just as they did in the second half against the Bulldogs on Saturday, Smith could be biding his time on the sidelines a lot longer than expected.

But Hayne had no doubts 23-year-old Smith, who had an off-season marred by several alcohol-related incidents, would muscle his way back into the side.

"Tim will definitely be back in first grade, but it's going to be hard for him," Hayne said during a pool session with the team yesterday.

"Brett and Feleti have been great. Finchy brings that calmness to the team and has the maturity while Feleti has that flair.

"But Tim has to work to get his position back. I have to work hard to get my position back, as will Weller (Hauraki) and Junior (Paulo). But if there wasn't that challenge it wouldn't be fun."

Hayne, who again denied he would give up the booze, but knew the limits now the season had started, hated it on the sidelines for the Bulldogs clash as punishment over the Kings Cross drama.

He said his replacement Taulima Tautai did a remarkable job and would have secured man of the match honours had Finch not be on the park.

Hayne is expected to replace Krisnan Inu who yesterday underwent MRI scans to an ankle injury he picked up late in the Bulldogs clash.

But Inu will be named in the squad for the Warriors clash and, should he recover, Tautai will drop off.

Coach Michael Hagan said while he was happy to have Hayne back in the mix, Smith was still a work in progress.

Electric Eels hail 'best-ever victory'

PARRAMATTA halfback Brett Finch sparked the second-biggest comeback in the club's history against the Bulldogs in what Nathan Hindmarsh described as the best match he has ever been involved in.

The Eels rallied from a 20-0 halftime scoreline - the biggest lead the Bulldogs have squandered in their history.

Asked if he'd ever played in a match like it, Hindmarsh said:

"That's probably the best I've been involved in so far. It's hard to go back 200-odd games, but that's the best I've been involved in. There's not many coming back from 20-0 down. I've been on the end of those games so it's good to turn it around."

Despite being involved in all five of the Eels' second-half tries, Finch was resigned to handing back the No.7 jersey to Tim Smith, who made his return from a shoulder injury in the NSW Cup for Wentworthville yesterday.

"Whenever Smithy's ready I'll go out to five-eighth or if [coach Michael Hagan] wants to keep Feleti [Mateo] there, I can hopefully stay in the team somewhere," he said.

"I've known all along I'm just playing halfback until Timmy's ready to come back."

Finch backed Hindmarsh's sentiments, also describing it as his best comeback.

"This takes the cake," he said.

There has been speculation Finch may walk away from the club at the end of the season, but he insisted his preference was to finish his career at the Eels.

"I definitely want to stay. I'd love to finish my career here," he said.

"There's some salary-cap pressure … but we're going to be doing everything we can to stay, certainly."

Eels coach Hagan said he remained calm at the break despite an abject opening half.

"That was probably the worst 40 minutes in my time here," he said.

"One of the fans said that was one of the worst halves he'd seen and I'd have to agree. It was a Bulldogs fan, of course.

"But I'm happy to report our second half was what it needed to be for us to be good enough to stay in the game. It was a great reward for the players who stuck at what we know we can do. I thought there was a lot of composure shown by Brett Finch, in particular."

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes was relatively upbeat despite the second-half capitulation

"We didn't have a lot of ball, a few things went against us," he said.

"We didn't have a lot of luck, but you've got to credit them for controlling the ball and their field position … But I think there's more positives than negatives to come out of it."

The only bad news for the Eels was an ankle injury to Krisnan Inu. The Kiwi star is expected to be fit fo face the Warriors next Sunday, but will still go for precautionary scans today.

The only time the Eels have come back from a bigger deficit was in 1987, when they defeated Canberra 30-22 after trailing 22-0. Last night, they were behind for 69 minutes before Joel Reddy crossed for his second try of the evening.

In a heart-stopping finale, Mateo sealed the result just 30 seconds out from full-time, diving over after the ball deflected off a Bulldogs defender. Finch provided the spark and Hindmarsh the grit, the latter saving three tries to keep the Eels' chances alive in the face of an early onslaught from the Dogs.

In all, Hagan's side racked up 28 unanswered points after the Bulldogs totally dominated the opening 40 minutes. To make matters worse for the Dogs, Sonny Bill Williams seemed to be hampered by a leg injury, although he remained on the field to the end.

The Eels hit back immediately after the break. Finch provided Eric Grothe with a perfectly weighted cross-field kick, before Mateo capitalised on a brilliant offload from the halfback. Reddy's double then took the Eels into the lead, which they held to the end.

Parra Wins first game of the Season!

Eels 28
Dogs 20

The Eels have back from a 20 to nil deficit at half time to beat the Dogs tonight. A terrific comeback after a very poor first 40 minutes.

More details and scorecard to follow.

Top-two ambition for Eels

PARRAMATTA enforcer Nathan Hindmarsh was straight to the point when asked yesterday about the Eels' hopes for 2008:

"We want to finish in the top two."

"The top four would be the aim but ideally we want top two," said Hindmarsh, who will join his teammates for the Round 1 clash with the Bulldogs at Sydney's ANZ Stadium tonight.

"It's going to be a close contest this year, but I think we've got the players to finish up there.

"We've pretty much got the same side as last year. We sat down and watched the replay of our semi-final loss to Melbourne last season and it was a game we thought we let go.

''We're only going to take extra confidence from that."

Hindmarsh said he enjoyed one of his better pre-seasons and now tipped the scales at 102kg, "four of five kilos" down on last year.

The Australian backrower said it was important the Eels exploded out of the blocks, but he would not dismiss the Dogs.

"I think a lot of people have written them off too early," Hindmarsh said.

"I know they've lost Willie (Mason) and Mark (O'Meley), and those two guys will be sorely missed, but they've still got a lot of people there that can fill the spots.

''And they've always been a club that lifts when things aren't going their way."

Eels to unveil young guns

Spearheaded by Kris Keating, Tim Mannah, Taulima Tautai and Marty Lewis among others, the Parramatta Eels are a definite force to be reckoned with in this year's inaugural Toyota Cup.

The centenary season marks the dawn of a new era for rugby league, with the national youth league (under 20s) replacing the Premier League as the second-tier competition in the country.

After suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of the Penrith Panthers in last year's Jersey Flegg grand final, the Eels are determined to make amends in season 2008.

Tipped to captain the side is former Australian schoolboy Tim Mannah.

Still hurting after last season's disappointment, Mannah believes the Eels have the strike power to challenge for a top four finish.

"We have little goals set for different stages of the year, but the ultimate goal is to finish in the top four," Mannah said.

Those ambitions were dealt a heavy blow after halfback Trent Hodkinson suffered a knee injury in a recent trial match.

"Hodko [Hodkinson] won't be back until the end of the year," Mannah said.

"But the good thing about our team this year is that we have a lot of capable halves ready to fill in."

Injury woes are a major problem for the Eels, as Jason Baitieri, Nathan Campbell, Justin Hunt, Marty Lewis and Jay Heming are all fighting the clock to be fit for round one.

Players to watch:
Anthony Mitchell, Taulima Tautai, Kris Keating.

Strengths:
The Eels have a strong forward pack, with Tim Robinson, Marty Lewis and Tim Mannah providing plenty of firepower up front. Tony Williams and Taulima Tautai are the backbone of a versatile backline. Look for these two to rack up quite a few tries this season.

Weaknesses:
The halves combination of Kris Keating and Trent Hodkinson is one of the strongest in the competition. The big question for the Eels is whether they can fill the void created by the injured Hodkinson. Another problem the Eels must overcome is the prospect of losing players to NRL duties.

Game one:
The Eels kick off their Toyota Cup campaign against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 3pm.

Eels unveil 'new Folau'

PARRAMATTA has unveiled the latest star off Campbelltown's amazing football production line - and they say he could be as good as Minto's favourite son, Israel Folau.

Twenty-year-old Taulima Tautai, Australian born but of Samoan heritage, will make his debut in the centres for the Eels against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

"Have you seen the build on him?'' Eels assistant coach David Fairleigh said of the 98kg giant.

Strikingly similar to Folau in looks and build, Tautai is from the same western Sydney football factory as the Storm sensation, Eels clubmate Krisnan Inu, fellow round one debutant Brendan Oake and Junior Kangaroos captain Chris Lawrence.

He has come in to the Eels backline for another fellow south-western Sydney product, Jarryd Hayne, who was suspended after last week's Kings Cross shooting.

Parramatta under-20s and Junior Roos coach Matt Cameron said of the boom Eels star: "He's a massive human, mate.''

Officials traditionally play down the abilities of a first-timer, but Fairleigh and Cameron last night had no problems with comparing him to Folau.

Cameron said "to be honest, I don't think he's that far away'' from Inu, Hayne and Folau.

"It might take him a bit longer to get to that stage but he's certainly got all the bits and pieces he needs and the right environment to flourish.

"He's of a similar ilk. For a 20-year-old, he's incredibly strong. He's taking every opportunity and squeezing the life out of it.''

Former Kangaroo Fairleigh enthused: "Look how far Inu has come in a year. He hasn't had a full season of first grade yet.''

"Could 'TT' be as good? There's no reason why he couldn't. He's got everything. He's not as natural as Inu. Not many are. But he certainly makes up for it as a physical player. He's extremely skilful. I'm really looking forward to seeing him play.''

The humble Tautai, born in Liverpool to Samoan immigrants Sale and Tammy, told The Daily Telegraph how he made a career decision to switch from the Western Suburbs Junior League to Edensor Park at Parramatta - at the age of 11.

"I thought it was a good comp,'' he shrugged. "It's going to be pretty intense (on Saturday). I had a few words with the more experienced guys and they said to just enjoy it, take it in, it will be good fun.

"It will be good to play up against the best and see where I'm at. It will be a dream.''

Tautai, who is likely to come into calculations for Samoa in this year's World Cup, was told of his elevation last Thursday. "It was supposed to be hush-hush,'' he said with a shy smile. "... just family. My mum, I think she told the whole world.''

Eels deny hypocrisy claims over 'funny walk' Smith

Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald last night denied he was guilty of hypocrisy amid revelations troubled halfback Tim Smith became heavily intoxicated in front of officials at the club's season launch.

A witness told Channel Nine that Smith, who went into rehab for alcoholism late last year, was "extremely loose", while another told the Sydney Morning Herald the halfback "could hardly walk" he was so drunk on a harbour cruise last Friday.

Fitzgerald cleared Smith and Feleti Mateo, Josh Cordoba and Ben Smith of any wrongdoing after they were later seen drinking at a hotel in Parramatta at 4am. It was also reported that players were seen at Star City Casino.

It is believed one player was bemused as to why the club allowed Smith to become so drunk after Jarryd Hayne, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo had been censured.

"I don't see that as hypocrisy," Fitzgerald said.

"Tim being drunk is news to me. He seemed OK to me. He got up and received his jersey. He walks a bit funny on the field, maybe that was it .. no one has told me that he was drunk."

Eels coach Michael Hagan told Channel Nine: "You can't babysit them."

The Eels yesterday overlooked Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo for their round-one match against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium, Homebush Bay, on Saturday following the late-night shooting incident in Kings Cross last week.

TAUTAI TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS EELS NAME FOUR NEW FACES FOR ROUND ONE

Taulima Tautai will become the 698th player to wear the Blue and Gold jersey when he makes his first grade debut for the Pirtek Parramatta Eels against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Tautai has been named alongside Krisnan Inu in the centres for the Eels Telstra Premiership season opener, which kicks off at 5.30pm.

Also making their first appearance for the Eels in the top grade are interchange players Joe Galuvao (no. 699), Matthew Keating (no. 700), and Brendan Oake (no. 701).

"If anything the selections reflect the strength of our top 25," head coach Michael Hagan said.

"All four players called upon to make their debuts have had excellent pre-seasons and all have shown solid trial form.

"Taulima was one of our best against the Panthers in Albury while Joe, Matt and Brendan have all played strongly in two trials.

"It's also a good result for Parramatta's development programs, with Taulima, Matt and Brendan all coming through our junior and lower grade ranks and into the NRL.

"In other good news for the Eels, international second rower Nathan Hindmarsh has fully recovered from knee surgery and will take his place in the starting line up.

Saturday's match kicks off at 5.30pm at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, and follows the Toyota Cup clash between the Eels and Bulldogs at 3pm.

PIRTEK PARRAMATTA EELS TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP V BULLDOGSANZ STADIUM
SAT 15 MARCH 2008 530PM

1. Luke BURT
2. Joel REDDY
3. Krisnan INU
4. Taulima TAUTAI#
5. Eric GROTHE
6. Feleti MATEO
7. Brett FINCH
8. Nathan CAYLESS [C]
9. Mark RIDDELL
10. Fuifui MOIMOI
11. Nathan HINDMARSH
12. Todd LOWRIE
13. Daniel WAGON

INTERCHANGE
14. Matt KEATING#
15. Josh CORDOBA
16. Brendan OAKE#
17. Joe GALUVAO#

COACH: MICHAEL HAGAN
#Eels First Grade Debut

NOT CONSIDERED
Chad ROBINSON - Wrist
Ben SMITH - Knee/Shoulder
Tim SMITH - Shoulder
Weller HAURAKI - Stood Down
Jarryd HAYNE - Stood Down
Junior PAULO - Stood Down

Eels youngster aims to fill Tahu's shoes

He's blessed with the same initials and remarkably similar stature to Timana Tahu, but Eels rookie Taulima Tautai doesn't expect to step effortlessly into the rugby convert's former role on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, who weighs in the same as Tahu at 98kg and is only 1cm shorter at 184cm, has been named to make his NRL debut in Parramatta's first-round clash with the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

The axing of Test centre Jarryd Hayne has paved the way for Tautai to make his first start in the number four jersey worn by Tahu before making his switch to the NSW Waratahs.

And while keen to make the most of the opportunity, Tautai knows it won't be any easy introduction to the top grade.

"They're big shoes to fill in but I will try my best," Tautai said.

"It's going to be pretty intense.

"I had a couple of words with the more experienced guys and they said to just enjoy, take it in and it'll be good fun."

Tautai is faced with the challenge of lining up against former Test centre Willie Tonga, who makes his return in the Bulldogs centres after missing their pre-season trials with knee injury.

Tonga will be partnered in the centres by 20-year-old Tim Winitana who made one NRL appearance last year.

Dogs coach Steve Folkes has also opted to start NSW forward Reni Maitua on the bench, as he continues to recover from off-season ankle surgery, with Lee Te Maari starting at lock.

Smith dumped to park footy

PARRAMATTA coach Michael Hagan is poised to drop a selection bombshell tomorrow by dumping star playmaker Tim Smith to park football.

A week after dropping Jarryd Hayne in the wake of a 4am shooting at Kings Cross, Hagan last night told The Daily Telegraph that his star No. 7 will play with Wentworthville on Saturday if passed fit.

The move has come about because of a shoulder injury, but the humbling experience could also serve to remind Smith of the consequences of more bad behaviour.

While his teammates take on the Bulldogs at an ANZ Stadium blockbuster, Smith will play at an empty Brookvale Oval.

"I can assure you that Tim Smith might have a game or two there before he comes back in," Hagan said. "I am thinking that's what we will do.

"It's more for his confidence than anything else with his shoulder.

"We need to make sure he is right. He will need to get his timing back."

The former NRL rookie of the year returned to contact training for the first time last week after undergoing a complete shoulder reconstruction.

Smith spent time at a Gold Coast rehabilitation clinic this year after being suspended for a series of alcohol-related incidents.

The troubled 23-year-old was expected to be rushed straight back into the NRL team but Hagan will tomorrow name Brett Finch and Feleti Mateo in the halves.

With Premier League scrapped this year, the Eels will send players who don't make first grade to Wentworthville.

"We have a dozen quality players turning out for Wentworthville," Hagan said.

"It is basically a reserve-grade competition. We have appointed the coach (Rip Taylor) and we have about 12 contracted players there."

Hagan admitted Smith could be targeted by part-time footballers looking for a big-name scalp.
"They come under the same guidelines as the NRL as far as refereeing goes," Hagan said.

"There is some element of risk though."

Junior Paulo, Weller Hauraki and Hayne will not play at all this weekend, Hagan taking a hard line after the trio were shot at while out on a boozy night in Kings Cross.

With Hayne already missing, fans might question Hagan's gamble on Smith, but for a club that has been branded the worst-behaved in the NRL it could play dividends.

While Smith has not been dropped for disciplinary reasons, it will not only give his shoulder a chance to recover but also serve as a warning of what lies ahead should he step out of line again.

"It won't do him any harm," Eels legend Brett Kenny said.

"Things like this have to happen with the way things have gone at the club in the past."

Kenny applauded Hagan's tough stance on the trio involved in the Kings Cross incident.

"Maybe they have finally woken up," Kenny said.

"Maybe they should have done it earlier but better late then never."

Inu shows Eels teammates how to have a good time

MEET the rugby league superstar who invited his NRL mates to celebrate his 21st birthday and served them soft drink.

After another week of alcohol-related controversy, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Parramatta winger Krisnan Inu celebrated his 21st on Friday with 300 people - and 100 bottles of fizzy drink.

The deeply religious Kiwi Test player sent out invitations to NRL players, including Frank Pritchard, Israel Folau, Albert Hopoate and his Parramatta teammates, which included a footnote printed in bold type: "No alcohol allowed."

"You don't need to drink to have fun," Inu said.

"I learned that going out with all the football boys.

"I grew up in a family that doesn't drink so that has also made it a bit easier for me.

"It was a real good turnout and thankfully everyone turned up. We had a great time on the soft drink. You don't need alcohol."

Inu's extraordinary alcohol-free party should put a smile on the face of every rugby league fan after another week in which the game's image took a battering.

Inu's good mate Jarryd Hayne was shot at last week after a boozy night in Kings Cross that included fellow NRL star Mark Gasnier and Eels teammates Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo.
All three Parramatta players have been stood down from the Eels' round one blockbuster against the Bulldogs.

The Daily Telegraph yesterday attended The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, Blair Athol, with Inu, where his father, Pepesuatia, is the chapel bishop.

Fellow NRL players Folau and Hopoate attend the same church.
"I come to church every Sunday," Inu said.

"If we are playing I do my best to go to the closest church even if we are away. Thankfully, there are churches everywhere.

"The church has definitely helped me become the person I am.

"I grew up in the church and living in this environment has helped me grow into a humble man.
"I just have to keep level-headed and just live my life with what is in front of me."

Inu's mother said that the NRL stars revelled in the alcohol-free environment.

"There were heaps of them there," Fay-Fegai Inu said.

"I don't know all their names but they were having a good time drinking cordial.

"Some guys even came from interstate to be there.

"There was still a bit to clean up though."

Inu was forced to hold his party two weeks before his birthday to avoid an NRL clash.

"My birthday isn't until the 17th but I didn't want it interfering with a match," he said.

The smiling goalkicker said he "couldn't wait" for Saturday, when the Eels take on the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

"We have stopped doing all the fitness work and we are using the ball a bit more," he said.

"It should be a big game on the weekend."

Petrified Hayne speaks out

JARRYD Hayne remains traumatised by his dance with death, revealing he is haunted by fears of another attack following last weekend's nightclub shooting.

Offering The Sunday Telegraph a first-hand account of last week's drama, the Kangaroos star told how he fled Sydney for three days in the wake of one of the darkest moments in rugby league history.

"What if it happens next time and it does hit me? You don't get a second chance with bullets,'' Hayne said. "Even now, I'm at the point where I need to take a breath from it all ... I'm still on edge about the whole thing.

"Even when I'm travelling by myself in the car, I just don't feel right. I'm still looking around and checking myself. It was a gun shot, you know? Hopefully what's done is done. I've got absolutely no revenge in me.

"If they (the shooter) were looking to make a point, they've made it. I've learned a massive lesson.''

Contrary to more than 80 newspaper reports detailing the incident, Hayne wasn't a part of the group of players who attended the one-day final between India and Australia at the SCG on Sunday.

"I didn't start drinking till 11pm on Sunday night at a mate's farewell,'' Hayne said.

"Because I played (a trial against the Roosters) the day before, I was tired so I slept the next day. So all up I had been out for five hours, not some big bender like everyone thinks.

"I got a call from a few of the boys and thought, why not, I've got Monday and Tuesday off training. I'm 20 years old, my body is in good enough condition to recover.''

The Sunday Telegraph has learned the shooting occurred around 4.20am on Monday after Hayne stepped in to defend drunken St George Illawarra skipper Mark Gasnier at a Kings Cross hotel.

Several punches were thrown at Hayne and Gasnier. Hayne's team-mates, Junior Paulo and Weller Hauraki, also stood by their mate. "

Sometimes you've got to walk away and take your losses rather than try and fix stuff,'' Hayne said.

At the centre of a police investigation, Hayne said he was "restricted'' in his ability to answer some questions about the incident.

"It was crazy. There was this loud bang and I freaked out,'' Hayne said.

"All of us were stunned by the noise and then we realised, 'hang on a sec, that was a gun shot'. I realised then and there that we've all got to wake up to ourselves.''

Hayne woke at 9am ... to a nightmare. Summoned to Kings Cross Police Station for questioning, he was engulfed by a media circus. A stop at a nearby petrol station to purchase an $11 pair of sunglasses allowed him to hide from view.

"I thought it was a bad dream, waking up ... it then turned to reality,'' Hayne said. "The whole day was something where you just want to fast-forward. You want to forget about it, want to move on, want to just play footy.

"I was absolutely rattled. I got some sunnies on the way and it was sort of like a mask. I was hiding under this mask as I was going through.

"I hadn't seen Weller or Junior since we split, so when I got in there, I took my sunnies off and I saw Weller and I almost had tears coming out of my eyes. We didn't know what to say to each other except something like, 'this isn't us'.''

With both Monday and Tuesday off training, Hayne returned to his Parramatta apartment following several hours of police questioning to pack his bags and get away. "I got home and I tried to sleep but I couldn't,'' he said.

"I said to my flatmate (Premier League player) Jimmy Grehan, 'listen, I've got to get out of here. I can't stay in Sydney. Let's go somewhere, I don't want to be around the boys, I don't want to be around nobody'.

"So we went down the coast to Wollongong. We stayed two nights at Jimmy's parents' house. That was the best that I'd felt all week. I was still scared but his parents were awesome, they relieved so much pressure.

"I don't know what would've happened had I stayed here (in Sydney). I know I wouldn't have slept.''

On Thursday, Hayne drove to the central Coast to spend the night at the home of Eels physical performance co-ordinator Hayden Knowles.

Hayne's relationship with his mother, Jodie, is extremely close. She raised him on her own in a housing commission place at Minto, in Sydney's western suburbs.

"It was hard when I went to see Mum (on Thursday),'' Hayne said.

"She was pretty distressed, like any mum would be. But when I spoke to her, I made sure I was really calm and pretended like I wasn't worried and I wasn't scared, but really I was petrified. She didn't have to tell me anything I don't know. I know I have to pull my head in.''

Eels dump shooting star Hayne

THEY have an off-field disciplinary record that would embarrass the Bulldogs, but Parramatta are finally ready to get tough on repeat offenders.

The Eels have today expected to suspend Jarryd Hayne, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo from the round one NRL opener against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

The dramatic stance by the NRL club follows a Kings Cross altercation that ended with shots being fired at the trio.

Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo have also each been fined $2000 for their involvement in the incident, which occurred on Monday morning and is being investigated by police.

Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald and his senior staff, including coach Michael Hagan, met yesterday to discuss what possible action to take.

"The Parramatta club has been left with no choice but to take firm action,'' Fitzgerald said today in a statement.

"Monday morning was the latest in a line of behavioural incidents featuring alcohol for the players involved and we hope that missing round one will send them and the rest of the playing group the strongest of messages.

"At the time of the altercation they had the opportunity to walk away and didn't. It is high time we said enough is enough. Their involvement in this incident has been highly damaging for the team, the club, our fans and sponsors, and most of all to the players personally.

"They have paid a high price and the timing of the standing down is unfortunate, coming in the opening round of the centenary season. However we just hope that missing such an historic occasion will help the message hit home.''

As well as missing the March 15 ANZ Stadium clash and dipping into their wallets, Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo will be given trauma counselling and also offered alcohol counselling.

The trio will be considered for selection for the Eels round-two game against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on March 23.

Hagan yesterday said NRL players were all too aware they could be sacked from a club for misbehaviour and then simply sign with a new club.

"What I would say is that the deterrents in our game may not be great enough,'' Hagan said last night.

"If a player gets sacked from a club for whatever reason, some other club is going to pick him up tomorrow.

"The players know that and unless there are across-the-board sanctions put in place, they are going to continue to stuff up knowing that it is not going to impact on them too much. But I'm not sure what the answer is and I dont know if anyone does.''

Eels officials are fed-up with Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo - who were also part of a group which broke a $2500 plasma screen at Easts Leagues Club back in December.

Asked were his players listening to the club's threats against poor behaviour, Fitzgerald said: "I hope they are, they should be, especially words from the coach. If not, we will take strong disciplinary measures.''

Earlier yesterday, Hagan expressed anger at the behaviour of Hayne, Hauraki and Paulo. "It's something I'm growing tired of and we'll deal with those players (involved) in the appropriate manner,'' he said.

"I think the football club, fans and sponsors have all been let down. I think it's time these players started taking responsibility for themselves. We can't babysit them 24 hours a day.''

Stars' incredible escape from Kings Cross shooting

RUGBY league international Jarryd Hayne was one of three Parramatta Eels players shot at in Sydney's Kings Cross nightclub district at the end of a big night out.

Hayne, Junior Paulo and Weller Hauraki were questioned by police today after escaping injury when a single shot was fired in their direction by a gunman just after 4am today.

Police said the trio were walking along Ward Ave when a man standing beside a light-coloured car fired at them before speeding away.

It was the second shooting in the area in less than eight hours.

Earlier in the night, Hayne and St George-Illawarra Dragons star and international Mark Gasnier were refused entry to Kings Cross's nearby Vegas Hotel because of responsible service of alcohol regulations, the hotel said.

But Gasnier was not present when the shot rang out, his club said.

The incident has raised questions about why the NRL players were out drinking so late, just days before the 2008 competition kick-off on March 14.

Parramatta said it was "disappointed" a number of its contracted players were in Kings Cross in the early hours of the morning, and would launch its own inquiry into the incident.

Police said the three Parramatta players, who they refused to identify, may have been involved in an altercation on Darlinghurst Rd shortly before the shooting.

A spokesman for the Vegas Hotel, on Darlinghurst Rd, said reports of a fight at the venue after Hayne and Gasnier were refused entry were wrong.

"They left and that was it,'' the spokesman said.

"There was no fight inside or outside."

The three Parramatta players spent much of the afternoon at Kings Cross police station giving statements about the shooting, but did not speak to the media.

Police appealed for witnesses and said they want to speak to a taxi driver who may have seen the shooter, described as being of Pacific Islander appearance.

Kings Cross Superintendent Peter Brooks said the shooting was not believed to be related to an earlier incident, in which the owner of a nightclub just 200m away in Kellett St was shot in the leg.

"What we are interested in is getting the public to help to get witnesses up here," he said.

Hayne, 20, a winger who made his debut for Parramatta in 2006, has represented Australia in one test and NSW in three State of Origins.

He has been involved in nightclub incidents before.

In 2006, Hayne was fined $1000 by his club for biting a woman on the arm at a Parramatta nightclub.

Both Hauraki, 23, a prop forward from New Zealand, and Paulo, 24, a former Australian

Schoolboy representative, are in the squad of Parramatta's top 25 players.

Both debuted for the club last year.

Parramatta rugby league club chief executive officer Denis Fitzgerald said his players had earlier been at the one day cricket match between Australia and India. The majority of them had gone home about midnight.

"A few of them decided to go further and go to a nightclub at Kings Cross, and that's a real worry when this incident happened at in the vicinity of four o'clock," he said.

In the earlier shooting, the 55-year-old owner of the Sapphire Suite nightclub was shot in the leg. Charlie Saleh was found slumped outside the club's doorway at 8.40pm and was taken to St Vincent's Hospital.

"He's fine, he's in hospital for cautionary reasons," said his son, club manager and former rugby league player Hassan Saleh.

Burt fires to help Eels crush Roosters

Parramatta fullback Luke Burt has shone in his first game back from a knee reconstruction in the Eels' 34-18 NRL trial victory over the Sydney Roosters at Bluetongue Stadium.

Both sides were missing about a third of their best line-ups and the Eels were the much slicker unit, their outside backs outclassing the Roosters in the six-tries-to-three win.

Burt started the match with a 40-20 kick in the opening minute of the clash and barely put a foot wrong, scoring a try and landing five from six with the boot.

Jarryd Hayne set up the first try for Parramatta in the fifth minute.

He showed a liking for the centres by punching a hole through the Roosters' defence and scooting for 40m before offloading 5m out to winger Eric Grothe who touched down.

Hayne proved elusive again in the 22nd minute with a slick combination with Grothe securing Parramatta's second touchdown of the game, but Burt missed the conversion this time.

Hayne's strong performance showed enough to suggest he will be able to fill the void left by the explosive Timana Tahu's crossing of codes to the NSW Waratahs in the off-season.

Just before halftime, the Eels were at it again with a slick 50m movement that started with Mark Riddell finding Feleti Mateo and ended with Josh Cordoba crossing near the posts.

The Roosters finally put a neat attacking raid together just before halftime with Amos Roberts finishing off and skipper Craig Fitzgibbon converting to cut the Eels' lead to 16-6 at halftime.

The Eels continued to be the much cleaner side with the ball, backrower Weller Hauraki juggling the ball before slipping through the Roosters' defence close to the line eight minutes after the break.

Parramatta tried to put their foot down in the 62nd minute with back-up hooker Matt Keating setting up Burt to cross under the sticks.

But the Roosters scored two tries in four minutes with Anthony Minichiello and Roberts crossing.

Mark Riddell ended the Roosters' resurgence by barging his way over the line with six minutes to go to wrap up the match.

The Roosters open their NRL season Friday week against Souths at ANZ Stadium while the Eels play the Bulldogs the following evening at the same venue.

A land of milk and honey if Smith sticks to milk and cookies

WHO'S NEW: Joe Galuvao (Souths).

WHO'S GONE: Aaron Cannings (Titans) Richard Fa'aoso (Knights) Blake Green (Cronulla) PJ Marsh (Broncos), Timana Tahu (union, Waratahs), Justin Tsoulos (Bulldogs) and Ian Hindmarsh (retired).

BIGGEST QUESTION: We all know who runs the Eels around the paddock. Tim Smith, simple. The big question is who's driving Smith around the paddock. In fact it's not so much on the paddock but off it that will decide the Eels' fate this season.

Sure, Smith has the odd brain explosion when faced with a crowded defensive line. Sure, he can go missing in the trenches or butcher the crucial last-tackle play. But he's still Parramatta's best option behind the steering wheel if he can exorcise his demons, start listening to the milk-and-cookies voices in his head and shut out the one whispering, "It's beer o'clock".

JOB SEEKERS: With former coach Brian Smith a long way away, Feleti Mateo holds his own future in his hand - just the same way as he mitts the footy. Mateo has the talent and the frame to be anything. We've seen his stride, his reach and his ability to beat a tackle on the outside. There's more to come and, with Tim Smith not due back on the pitch until a few weeks into the competition, Mateo will start at five-eighth and get his chance.

Souths couldn't get their money worth out of big Joe: if coach Michael Hagan can, Galuvao can cause plenty of problems.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu. Hayne, rookie of the year in 2006, and Inu, runner-up for the same award last season, will find the going a little tougher when they start 2008 closer to the action. Picked in the centres, these two have enough talent to star anywhere, although they may miss the space the flanks offered.

Another to watch is Mark Riddell, with the burly hooker now a svelte 98kg, down from 107 kg last season.

REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Manly might be the club thinking, 'Let's go one better this year', but if truth be told, the Eels pushed Melbourne a lot harder - in both their final and round 23 clash, despite losing both. With big forwards able to bash the pill over the line (Fuifui Moimoi and Nathan Cayless), backed by workhorses such as Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson and Nathan Hindmarsh, Parramatta can lay the requisite platform for the show-offs in the back line to do what they do best.

REASONS TO BE WORRIED: Apart from Smith, the other designated driver is Brett Finch, just about the most maligned half in the game. Hagan picked him up after Ricky Stuart had played havoc with his mental state at the Roosters and the softly, softly approach worked wonders.

There's a lot on his shoulders, a burden that could become unbearable should Smith not stick to the warm milk.

The next NRL superstars?

A hulking young forward with strict religious beliefs and an early-morning milk run is a star of the future.

If you get up early to greet your milkman, there's a good chance you've seen the next big thing in rugby league.

With the first match of the NRL season just 19 days away, the search is already on to find the next Israel Folau, Krisnan Inu and David Taylor. And we reckon we've found them. The Sun-Herald has cast an eye over the best young talent at all 16 clubs to find the game's next superstars.

And at Parramatta, the hot tip is Tim Mannah.

Milk run and Lebanese background aside, Jason Stevens sees a lot of himself in Parramatta prop Mannah. Both are big. Both study at NIDA. Both are abstaining from sex until they get married.
And they both believe they're God's gift. "He reminds me a bit of myself - he refers to himself as good looking," laughed former Super League Test forward Stevens, who met Mannah at a church conference.

"I thought, 'I like this bloke', we hit it off straight away. He said to me one of his aims is to be the best-looking Christian footballer going around.

"I told him that would be quite easy, I didn't set a high standard there."

But of all the similarities, the most important common trait for Eels fans is their playing talent.

Mannah is one of the most promising props in the game and is likely to earn a first-grade berth this season. The Australian Schoolboys star will start in the National Youth Competition alongside his younger brother, John, although good judges believe higher honours beckon.

"He's been really impressive in pre-season in a full-time environment," Eels coach Michael Hagan said.

"He's been a quality kid at the club for a number of years. I watched him play a fair bit of footy last year in [Jersey] Flegg. He's a quality kid and he's somebody we see has a big future at the club."

Like Stevens, Mannah is a devout Christian and an active member of his church.

The 20-year-old is also a virgin and doesn't believe in premarital sex.

"I believe I'll get a lot more out of a relationship that way and that the relationship with my wife will be better if I know I've waited for her," Mannah said, who was born in Australia but qualifies for Lebanon through his father.

"It makes it a bit more special. The boys, especially the ones I've grown up with, rip me to shreds about [being a virgin] but it's all good fun, they respect my beliefs.

"Everyone who knows me knows about it, it's not something I'm shy about. I'm fortunate to have a good family background, I grew up in church and they are the morals I grew up with. I'm 20 years old now, I may as well wait till I'm married."

There's another major difference between Mannah and the majority of the Eels' top-grade squad - his milk run. While their big-name teammates are still tucked in bed, Tim and John wake up at 5am three times a week do the delivery run.

"You get to meet a few strange people doing that," Mannah said.

"It reminds you not to get too big for your boots and that there are people out there working really hard.

"We're fortunate to be in the position we're in [playing football]."

The siblings are hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Hindmarsh brothers - Nathan and Ian - by playing in the NRL together for the Eels.

"Playing first grade together would be awesome, it would be a dream come true for us," he said.

The 107 kilogram forward wants to be a big star, on and off the field.

Following in the footsteps of Ian Roberts and Stevens, Mannah has enrolled in NIDA with a view to a post-football career in the media.

His presenting skills have already been put to good use recording segments on the club's website Parra TV, a behind-the-scenes insight into the players. But not all shoots he's been involved with have gone well.

As if being a milk-delivering virgin wasn't already enough ammunition for his teammates, he became the butt of all jokes when the Eels visited James Packer's property recently.

"He professed he knew how to shoot and had done it all before," said Eels under 20s coach Matt Cameron of an incident at the shooting range.

"He brought the rifle up, pulled the trigger and the recoil of the gun forced the scope into his forehead.

"That was after bragging how he knew what he was doing."

Eels positive despite Panthers trial defeat

Parramatta Eels head coach Michael Hagan has heaped praise on his young team despite a 30-28 loss to Penrith in their NRL trial at Albury’s Lavington Sports Ground.

Two near identical four pointers to Luke Rooney - in the 74th and 75th minutes of the match - sunk the Eels after they had led 28 points to 12 early in the second half.

The double strike came after the Eels outperformed their opponents for much of the first 60 minutes of play, during which they crossed for five tries to two.

Despite the result head coach Hagan said he was pleased with the effort shown.

“I was pretty happy overall, it was the first game of the year and we came with quite a few young players who I thought handled it extremely well,” Hagan said.

“We think we’ve got some good talent in the football team and we probably left eight or ten of our better players behind.

“There were signs there that were fairly encouraging, Feleti Mateo and Brett Finch ran the team well, so did young Kris Keating and also Matt Keating was very tidy.

“We’re very much looking forward to next week.”

The Eels trailed early after Penrith lock Trent Waterhouse scored the first try of the match off a neatly held pass from Jarrod Sammut.

Sammut converted to make it six-nil to the Panthers after 11 minutes.

Overcoming a momentary lack of possession the Eels found the tryline ten minutes later through Joel Reddy, who touched down after a break down the short side by Krisnan Inu.

Inu then added the extras to put the match back on level terms.

The Panthers edged ahead again through a try to Rhys Wesser however the Eels wasted no time in hitting back, fullback Etu Uaisele reaping the spoils of a well placed Brett Finch cross kick to score in the corner.

The Eels then took the lead, Matt Keating burrowing his way over next to the posts for Jarryd Hayne to convert and make it 16-12 Parramatta’s way after half an hour.

The first ten minutes after half time looked to have proved decisive for the Eels with two converted tries stretching the buffer to 16 points at 28-12.

The first came just 60 seconds after the break, lock Weller Hauraki scoring off some excellent lead up work from Junior Paulo and Kris Keating.

Eight minutes later the Eels were in again, Mark Riddell scoring off a neat kick and re-gather.
Tony Williams converted both tries to give the Eels breathing space.

Sammut narrowed the gap for the Panthers with 20 minutes remaining, scoring and converting to make it 28-18 the Eels way.

He then converted both Rooney tries to put the Panthers back in front.

The Eels had one last surge and threatened the line wide out, only for the ball to sail over the sideline just before full time.

The only concern to come out of the match for the Eels was a medial ligament strain to young second rower Justin Horo, who will undergo scans in coming days.

The Eels play the Roosters next week at Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.

PARRAMATTA EELS - 28

Tries: Joel Reddy, Etu Uaisele, Matt Keating, Weller Hauraki, Mark Riddell
Conversions: Tony Williams 2/2, Jarryd Hayne 1/2, Krisnan Inu 1/1

PENRITH PANTHERS - 30
Tries: Luke Rooney 2, Trent Waterhouse, Rhys Wesser, Jarrod Sammut
Conversions: Jarrod Sammut 5/5

Promising duo to be unleashed

Parramatta coach Michael Hagan will unveil the centre pairing he believes will take rugby league by storm over the next few years when the Eels meet Penrith in Friday night's trial match in Albury.

With Ben Smith still making his way back from off-season surgery, newly-signed duo Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne will line-up in the centres in a precursor to their future roles.

The close friends are among the most exciting players in the NRL, with Hagan declaring: "Moving forward I see Krisnan and Jarryd becoming two of the really good centres in the game."

"Hayne and Inu in the centres is a critical combination (for Friday night's game)."

Hagan will roll out many of his big guns against the Panthers, with 10 NRL players named in the 22-man squad.

Inu and Hayne will be joined by Brett Finch, Mark Riddell, Joe Galuvao, Todd Lowrie, Feleti Mateo, Joel Reddy, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo.

"This is an important game for a number of players," Hagan said.

"We're keen to get a look at Finch and Mateo in the halves and Galuvao, Lowrie and Hauraki in the backrow."

"Trials give you the opportunity to try things out and given we're only playing two pre-season games we'll be keen to make the most of it."

The Eels boss will also blood several youngsters, with one eye firmly on the future.

"They're an exciting bunch of kids, all of whom have had outstanding off seasons," Hagan said.

"Matt and Kris Keating will make their first grade debuts sooner rather than later so this will be an important step up for them, as it will be for every player on the bench."

The squad is: Etu Uaisele, Taulima Tautai, Krisnan Inu, Jarryd Hayne, Joel Reddy, Feleti Mateo, Brett Finch, Brendan Oake, Mark Riddell, Junior Paulo,Joe Galuvao, Todd Lowrie, Weller Hauraki

Res: Kris Keating, James Grehan, Broderick Wright, Justin Horo, Matthew Keating, Tim Mannah, Tony Williams, Jeremy Latimore, Matthew Raftery

Eels gear up for first trial

Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne will team up in the centres for the Parramatta Eels in their opening NRL trial match against Penrith in Albury on Friday night.

A total of ten players with NRL experience will start the match, with Inu and Hayne being joined by Brett Finch, Mark Riddell, Joe Galuvao, Todd Lowrie, Feleti Mateo, Joel Reddy, Weller Hauraki and Junior Paulo.

Head coach Michael Hagan says the trial presents an early opportunity to take a look at combinations for 2008.

"This is an important game for a number of players," Hagan said.

"Hayne and Inu in the centres is a critical combination, while we're also keen to get a look at Finch and Mateo in the halves and Galuvao, Lowrie and Hauraki in the back row.

"Trials give you the opportunity to try things out and given we're only playing two pre-season games we'll be keen to make the most of it."

The nine-man bench features a mix of players from the Eels full and part time squads, with all players to be given ample game time.

"They're an exciting bunch of kids, all of whom have had outstanding off seasons," Hagan said.

"Matt and Kris Keating will make their first grade debuts sooner rather than later so this will be an important step up for them, as it will be for every player on the bench."

The Eels travel to Albury on Thursday ahead of Friday night's game, which kicks off at 7pm.

Statue stand off

An exasperated Ray Price said he couldn't win in the row over funding of a statue in his honour.
"It doesn't matter what I say," the Parramatta rugby union and rugby league legend said.

"Let's be clear: I never asked for a statue. The fans approached the Parramatta Stadium Trust.
"I've had fans asked me: who do we donate to?"

Price said he had decided on a grassy area between the stadium and Parramatta Leagues Club as his preferred site.

The wrangle began when the trust decided to rename Parramatta Stadium's Ray Price Lounge as the Cumberland Lounge, a decision fans saw as a slight against a favourite son.

The trust then decided in December to commission a bronze sculpture in Price's honour. The Eels board subsequently voted against sharing the cost, saying it wasn't consulted.

Noted sculptor Alan Somerville estimated a two-metre bronze statue would cost about $100,000.

"That's a ballpark figure," said Mr Somerville, whose bronze life-sized sculptures have included cricket great Richie Benaud and the late former NSW Governor, Sir Roden Cutler.

"There would be 14 weeks in the iron foundry and about three months to do the sculpture. All up, it would be about eight months' work."

Parramatta chief executive and trust member Denis Fitzgerald confirmed the Eels had written to the trust, suggesting the proposed stadium southern grandstand be called the Ray Price Stand.

The State Government has committed $6 million to the estimated $24 million cost but the project is in limbo, given the Federal Government's belt-tightening.

Meanwhile, trust venue manager Luke Coleman said a walkway outside of the stadium, honouring former Parramatta sporting greats, was being considered.

"The trust is discussing it but it's not firmly on the agenda," Mr Coleman said.

"It would be a more proper way of honouring the various sporting legends.

"There is a lot of history on the site from its time as Cumberland Oval."

He said a series of plaques had been discussed but the first priority was completing the Price statue.

Smiths signs bumper Eels contract

The Parramatta Eels have extended centre Ben Smith's deal with the club until the end of the 2012 NRL season.

The 23-year-old has agreed to a new four-year deal with the club where he made his debut in 2004, scoring 25 tries in 58 first grade appearances.

Smith says he wants to repay the faith the club has shown in him.

"The future looks pretty exciting for the Eels and I'm very happy to know I'll be a part of it," Smith said in a club statement.

"We've got a great squad and a top quality coaching staff and that's always a good mix to have."

"I think of myself as a one-club man and now the deal's done I can just focus on getting myself back to full fitness and playing some footy."

Eels coach Michael Hagan says the retention of Smith alongside young stars Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne was a high priority for the club.

"It's a great outcome for the club to get the deal done," he said.

"Ben adds plenty to the footy team both on and off the field."

Smith is currently recovering from off-season shoulder and knee surgery but is due to return to action early in the new NRL season.

He is likely to undergo a positional switch this year into the backrow as rising stars Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne form a fresh centre pairing for the Eels.

Inspirational teacher

FELETI Mateo is a young man, but he was like a venerable Father Christmas, Pied Piper and king of the kids last week.

Parramatta Eels star Mateo came back to where it all started at Lalor Park and it seemed the whole town's young population was there to meet him.

Mateo was there to inspire and instruct the youngsters from his former club.

He and teammate Brett Delaney had been picked up by the Eels after they had shared in Lalor Park's C-grade grand final win.

Delaney has since gone to the Gold Coast but Mateo is now recognised as one of the young Eels, like Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Haynes, who will lead Parramatta to tomorrow.

Eels' Hindmarsh to have knee surgery

Parramatta forward Nathan Hindmarsh will undergo minor knee surgery on Tuesday but should only miss the NRL club's opening trial game.

The Test second-rower aggravated a previous cartilage injury at training and has been ordered to have an arthroscopy and miss the Eels' opening trial against Penrith in Albury next week.
However, the Eels are hopeful Hindmarsh will be fit to play the Sydney Roosters in the club's second trial, in Gosford on March 1.

"It's no big deal, more of a cleanout than anything serious," Hindmarsh said.

"I was just doing a routine drill when I felt something go click.

"While it's a shame to miss any game, particularly at the start of the year, the medical staff hasn't ruled out the Roosters trial as a possibility so hopefully one game is all it'll be."

Eels coach Michael Hagan said he may delay Hindmarsh's return until the opening round of the NRL season, when Parramatta play the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on March 15.

"Whether we play him against the Roosters or save him up for round one will be a decision that we'll make down the track," Hagan said.

"We'll wait and see how he recovers, however I don't see the injury posing too many headaches at this stage."

Eels fight for Smith

PARRAMATTA have hatched a plan to turn forgotten centre Ben Smith into a wide-running backrower as the Eels fight to sign him ahead of a March 1 deadline.

With rival NRL clubs circling, Smith's agent and the Eels have set a 28-day time frame to either broker a new contract or begin testing his value on the open market.

Parramatta coach Michael Hagan has indicated a desire to retain Smith, 23, but the move would mean a positional switch to develop him into a backrower beyond 2008.

The positional switch for Smith is designed to accommodate rising international stars Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne, who will form a fresh centre partnership for Parramatta in 2008.

"I'd be happy to stay with Parra, but I guess in terms of the future with Jarryd Hayne and Krisnan Inu, they're obviously stars," Smith said.

"So I'll probably start in the centres. But down the track, if I stay I dare say I'll have to move into the back row to make way for Inu.

"I'm happy to do that if that's what's best for the team. I'd be happy to stay, I think the next couple of years are going to be good for Parra, it's a young, exciting team.

One of the stars of Parramatta's surge to the 2005 minor premiership, Smith is currently recovering from an off-season left knee reconstruction and shoulder surgery.

While the back row would represent uncharted territory for Smith, Hagan believes he could be developed into a destructive wide-running forward.

"We're in the process of trying to sort out a longer-term deal for Ben to stay at Parramatta. That would be our next priority, I suppose, and we would like for him to stay," Hagan said.

"Given what he offers defensively as a centre, in a lot of ways the role of a wide-running backrower and a centre are not dissimilar anymore."

Parramatta football manager Andrew Hill has met Smith's agent Daryl Mather and further discussions are expected on March 1.

Eels slip into Ellerston

THE Parramatta Eels have been tight lipped in regard to their 2008 training camp held at the illustrious Upper Hunter Ellerston property, owned by the Packer family.

But in an exclusive interview with The Advocate, the club gave insight into what it was like to train in a millionaire’s playground.

According to Parramatta Eels club manager Andrew Hill, it has been a matter of respect that stopped the club from revealing the camp’s location.

“Out of respect for the property we didn’t say too much about it,” he said.

According to Mr Hill, James Packer personally approved the decision to hold the camp at Ellerston, despite previously holding a director position at rival club, The Sydney Roosters.

“I think he’s probably a Roosters fan,” Mr Hill commented.

Twenty five of the team’s top players, including current Australian and NSW winger Jarryd Hayne attended the camp at Ellerston.

“It was unbelievable, just awesome. Once we got there everything just came to life,” Jarryd told The Advocate.

The NSW Winger said not only was it great to get away, but that he was also able to get some insight into what it would be like to go on a billionaire’s holiday.

“The facilities are fantastic. I mostly went on the go-carts. Tom Cruise’s personal go-cart was there, and I almost beat Prince Harry’s record on the track. It was good to just get away and try something different.”

The team arrived at the property on Sunday, January 13 and while they did get some time to enjoy the facilities, training was also on the menu.

Head coach Michael Hagan said despite being on a property frequented by Hollywood stars and members of the royal family, for the Eels it was business as usual.

“We pretty much followed a similar training program as we would have in Sydney. We just relocated the players and staff to a better environment that was free from distractions, coach Hagan said.”

The Eels head coach also agreed the property offered great down time facilities for the players.

“On Tuesday after training a few of the boys played a bit of golf and some took a look around the property.”

Also enjoying a round of golf at Ellerston last week was ex-Newcastle Knights captain Andrew Johns.

“Andrew came up and went through some training skills with the back and back runners. We had a chance for a game of golf together,” coach Hagan said.

Before leaving the players signed a significant number of autographs for staff at Ellerston, and said they hope this won’t be their last trip to the property.

“The facilities are fantastic and hopefully we’ll get invited back some day,” coach Hagan said.

Round One of the NRL season begins on March 14.

Legends hail Eels centres

MINTO millionaires Krisnan Inu and Jarryd Hayne have been hailed as potentially Parramatta's best centre pairing since four-time premiership-winning duo Mick Cronin and Steve Ella.

And the Eels' new international centres, Inu, 20, and Hayne, 19, rank among the youngest three-quarter pairing at club level in the code's 100-year history.

Retired Test centre Steve Renouf, nicknamed the Pearl for his skills and dynamic speed, believes Inu and Hayne - who have just signed lucrative deals to stay at Parramatta - can develop into a lethal long-term midfield for the club.

"As a centre pairing, there's no reason why they can't form the type of combination (of Cronin and Ella), they've definitely got the opportunity to do it,'' Renouf said.

"I can't believe the confidence they carry at such a young age. It's crazy but it's good to see. They're not afraid to have a go and that's what benefits a team.

"I'm sure they'd love to be part of Parramatta winning a grand final - it would be the first one in a long time.''

Cronin and Ella formed one of the Eels' most prolific centre combinations in the club's 61-year history during the 1980s.

The duo starred in all four Eels premierships and have backed the latest pairing as having the quality to end Parramatta's 21-year title drought.

"You just tend to think they'll make a fist of it,'' Cronin said.

"They both did some things last year that only the really special players can do.

"Hayne did some spectacular things in his State of Origin debut and Inu was the same in his first Test.''

And Ella added: "They're both young, exciting players and it's great to see they've decided to stay at Parramatta.

"Their destiny is in their own hands, they can achieve whatever they want to achieve. They've both already played for their countries and that just shows what wonderful talents they are.''

Parramatta coach Michael Hagan has confirmed Inu will assume the left centre position, with Hayne to form a partnership on the right side with winger Eric Grothe.

Inu signs on for two more years

YOUNG Parramatta star Krisnan Inu has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the NRL club until the end of 2010 season.

The Kiwi international said he believed the club would be a strong contender for grand finals in the coming seasons after losing to eventual premiers Melbourne in last year's preliminary final.

The signing is a further boost for the Eels after stitching up a deal to keep fellow backline young gun Jarryd Hayne at the club.

Eels lift halfback Smith's suspension

Troubled Parramatta halfback Tim Smith will finally resume his NRL pre-season after the club lifted a suspension on him.

Queenslander Smith was suspended indefinitely by the Eels following a series of alcohol related incidents last month, including him being caught drinking less than a week after agreeing to a booze ban.

Smith, who turns 23 on Sunday, has agreed to a number of sanctions, which include a fine, charity work and further rehabilitation, the club said in a statement.

Parramatta general manager Greg Mitchell, coach Michael Hagan and football manager Andrew Hill met with Smith's manager David Riolo on Tuesday to discuss the halfback's future with the 2007 NRL semi-finalists.

"Tim has been working hard to overcome a number of personal issues and is very grateful of the support from the Parramatta Eels and general support from the community," Riolo said in the statement.

"Tim is looking forward to returning to training and the season ahead."

The club's hierarchy have thrown their support behind the 2005 NRL rookie of the year, who is also recovering from off-season shoulder surgery and is likely to miss the first month of NRL action.

"I am satisfied with the process that the club and Tim have taken and we are placing a support mechanism around Tim," Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said in the statement.

Hagan added: "I am looking forward to Tim returning to training and, along with the team, stepping up preparations for the 2008 season."

On December 14 Smith booked himself into a Queensland rehabilitation clinic after a drinking binge less than a week after he'd agreed to a booze ban.

A week earlier, the Eels had fined the halfback $1,000 and issued the season-long ban after a member of the public complained about obnoxious behaviour by Smith.

In 2006 he was threatened with the sack and fined $10,000 for alcohol influenced behaviour.

Electric Eel Krisnan Inu ready to ink Parramatta deal

PARRAMATTA young gun Krisnan Inu hopes his future can be secured by the end of the week.
One of the most marketable young talents in rugby league, Inu yesterday revealed how close he was to striking a deal with the Eels shortly after completing a pre-season training session at AFL club Essendon in Melbourne.

The New Zealand international appears certain to follow teammate Jarryd Hayne's loyalty by ignoring lucrative offers from rivals to remain at Parramatta.

"I think they've been talking to my manager (Isaac Moses) over the past few weeks, but nothing's been finalised," Inu, 20, said.

"We're trying to get it sorted this week.

"Maybe he will let me know when I get back (to Sydney) today or tomorrow but I won't know anything (until then)."

Inu had been circled by several clubs including the Roosters, Bulldogs, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cronulla.

Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said last night a deal with Inu was close to being reached.

"We've been talking to him for a couple of weeks and we're getting pretty close," Fitzgerald said.
"We're not there yet, but we're very close."

However, Eels coach Michael Hagan said an early Christmas present of Inu's signature was unlikely.

"Hopefully in the second week of January we can get it tied up," he said.

Inu and Hayne, who squared off in October's Test match between New Zealand and Australia, are close mates of Storm sensation Israel Folau. Their friendship stretches back to primary school.

Inu expects the trio to be heavily targeted next season after taking the competition by storm in 2007.

"I hope not, but you can't change that," he said.

"The Anzac Test (in April) was the big one for me after playing one first-grade game.

"I thought it was all right because no one knew me, I had no real hype to live up to, no expectations.

"I was free to do whatever. But now, as the season's gone past, people have seen what I can do and it's a bit harder, knowing what I can do."