Veteran coach Brian Smith has made a shock pitch to return as head coach of Parramatta.
Smith, who coached the Eels on 243 occasions between 1997 and 2006, feels he has unfinished business. The 70-year-old joined Josh Hannay, Jason Ryles, Dean Young and Trent Barrett in attempting to become the long-term replacement for Brad Arthur.
Given that former Bulldogs and Sea Eagles head coach Barrett is expected to be overlooked, the three rookies were expected to contest the post. However, this masthead can reveal that Smith secretly entered the mix, providing Parramatta powerbrokers with a point of difference in their search.
Smith, the third-most experienced NRL coach in history with 601 appearances, was keen to add to the tally. Still a respected figure after his service to the club, he was given the opportunity to present his vision for Parramatta’s future.
The former Steelers, Dragons, Eels, Knights and Roosters mentor felt he could get the best out of the current side, which sits in last position. In a lengthy meeting with Parramatta powerbrokers, he outlined his blueprint, which included bringing the club’s former physical performance manager, Hayden Knowles, back into the fold.
Only last year, Arthur surpassed Smith as Parramatta’s most-capped coach. At the time, Smith told this masthead: “Fantastic; that’s great for him. Any coach that goes that distance with one club, it’s an outstanding achievement.”
Brian Smith during his Parramatta coaching days.Credit: Fairfax
During that interview, he also reflected about his own experiences at the club, stating: “You go through some phases with that, with the expectation. Traditionally, Parramatta has been a club with a lot of resources and I was excited with my opportunity when I went there. It was a great opportunity and I loved it most of the time.”
Smith still has a burning desire to win a premiership, the one prize that has eluded him throughout his career. He oversaw grand final appearances with the Dragons in 1992 and 1993 and the Roosters in 2010, but the biggest lament was an Eels defeat in the “unloseable” 2001 decider.
A successful return to Parramatta would allow Smith to reclaim the mantle as Parramatta’s most-capped coach. However, sources with knowledge of the situation, not authorised to speak publicly, have told this masthead that club officials are poised to overlook Smith.
While Smith is held in high regard for all that he achieved during his decade in charge of the club, Arthur’s long-term successor will be one of Ryles, Hannay and Young.
Brian Smith consoles his Eels players after their loss to Newcastle in the 2001 grand final.Credit: Steve Christo
While there was an expectation that the successful candidate would be informed immediately after Thursday’s clash against South Sydney, a final decision could still be up to a week away.
The Eels are continuing to do their due diligence on the contenders. Zac Lomax, like the current members of the squad, is eager to know who will be appointed, but there is no suggestion that he won’t honour his Parramatta contract.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos addressed the team’s underperformance – and the coaching situation – in a recent letter to members.
“Our NRL on-field performance this season has been disappointing and well below expectations,” Sarantinos said.
“We know it’s not what you expect from us, and it’s certainly not what we expect from ourselves. We understand your disappointment, and we share it.
“I can assure you that the current coaches and playing group are committed to turning things around. They’re putting in the hard yards at training, and their desire to win is undeniable …
“We’re currently in the midst of a comprehensive process to appoint a new head coach. This is a critical appointment, and we’re taking the time to ensure we appoint the right person – someone who embodies our values, will establish the right culture and can lead our football program into a new era.”
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