Parramatta Eels axe Steve Kearney in bid to sign Luke Lewis

THE Parramatta Eels sensationally axed coach Steve Kearney to clear the way to sign Penrith Panthers star Luke Lewis.

PARRAMATTA yesterday sensationally axed coach Steve Kearney to clear the way to sign Penrith Panthers star Luke Lewis.

Nine wins in two seasons made Kearney's position untenable and now the club begins its hunt for a sixth coach in eight years.

Former Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor is likely to take over as interim coach for the rest of the season - without the services of Kearney-appointed Chris Anderson.

It's understood Lewis was against joining the Eels while Kearney and new coaching director Chris Anderson were in charge.

Lewis hasn't forgotten being snubbed by then Australian coach Anderson on the 2003 Kangaroo tour. Anderson opted to play Super League player Darren Smith.

Parramatta have offered Lewis a three year deal worth $2.1 million.

Lewis was ready to spurn the Eels but will now reconsider given Kearney has been axed.

Eels superstar Jarryd Hayne last night said he was stunned: "I am shocked. I can't quite believe it has happened."

Ricky Stuart is at the top of the hit-list for the troubled club, as well as Taylor - who filled the same role in 2006 before taking over at Souths.

Newcastle assistant coach and ex-Knights head coach Rick Stone was another being mentioned last night.

The Daily Telegraph has been told Kearney will coach Parramatta in tomorrow night's game against Melbourne at Parramatta Stadium before being formally sacked.

Parramatta's board canvassed the opinions of its leading players before making a final call on Kearney. It is understood Parra will hold a press conference today to confirm Kearney's demise.

Kearney was told of his sacking at a 4pm meeting on Wednesday with Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo.

The New Zealand Test coach was not given the option of seeing out the rest of this season.

Kearney's three-year deal with Parramatta finished after the 2014 season.

He was not answering his mobile yesterday afternoon, neither was Spagnolo.

In a turbulent two seasons at the helm, Kearney won just nine from 41 games for a modest success rate of 22 per cent.

Stuart will now be favourite to take over from Kearney although he has also been strongly linked to Canberra.