Thursday, March 18, 2004
Eels deny crisis
Parramatta's boss Denis Fitzgerald has held boardroom meetings with six players - Nathan Cayless, Nathan Hindmarsh, Shane Muspratt, Chris Muckert, Chris Thorman and Michael Witt - but has denied there is a crisis in the club.
In a Daily Telegraph report, it was also claimed the newspaper had an unveriified letter from a supposed Eels player which was critical of the club.
The report also floated the rumour that Michael Witt and perhaps other players were considering walking out of the club. However, Michael Witt's manager vehemently denied the claim.
"That is 100 per cent untrue," the manager said.
Fitzgerald said it was "business as usual at the club".
"We're not in crisis at all. We've lost one game and that has coincided with Jamie wanting some time away from the game.
In reference to the meeting, Fitzgerald said: "The whole idea is to chat about issues they may, or may not, have. Jamie certainly got a mention. The players were most surprised he has gone.
"Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh are very close to Jim - they socialise with him."
In a Daily Telegraph report, it was also claimed the newspaper had an unveriified letter from a supposed Eels player which was critical of the club.
The report also floated the rumour that Michael Witt and perhaps other players were considering walking out of the club. However, Michael Witt's manager vehemently denied the claim.
"That is 100 per cent untrue," the manager said.
Fitzgerald said it was "business as usual at the club".
"We're not in crisis at all. We've lost one game and that has coincided with Jamie wanting some time away from the game.
In reference to the meeting, Fitzgerald said: "The whole idea is to chat about issues they may, or may not, have. Jamie certainly got a mention. The players were most surprised he has gone.
"Nathan Cayless and Nathan Hindmarsh are very close to Jim - they socialise with him."
