Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Morris to move to 5/8 as Parra rebuilds
Hooker John Morris will be moved to five-eighth next year following the signing of Mark Riddell, the Daily Telegraph has reported.
The Telegraph story said that the Eels will target another three "top line players" and were going after outside backs and prop forwards.
"For the first time since I've been at the club we've actually got some space in our salary cap to bring some new blood in," coach Brian Smith said.
Certainly, Smith could hardly have been any more enthusiastic about Riddell's signing.
"I see Mark joining us as one of the best and biggest moments of my career because I think he's got so much to offer to our team and our club".
"Everybody knows what Mark brings to the table for us, everybody knows Mark's flamboyant and extroverted style. He's a guy with lots of strings to his bow."
Asked if Smith's emphasis on discipline would make it a problem to coach the free-spirited Riddell, Smith said he had coached all types of different players over the last 20 years and he couldn't foresee any problems.
Meanwhile, Riddell said he was looking forward to going to work for his coach.
"I'm looking forward to working with Brian [Smith]. I've got a few mates over here who I spoke to before I made my decision and I'm very happy with the decision I've made.
Riddell said that Parramatta was very "professional" and had a great core of players with the likes of Cayless, Hindmarsh, Vella and Wagon.
"With the addition of a few more players there are going to be plenty of good times ahead with the club."
The Telegraph story said that the Eels will target another three "top line players" and were going after outside backs and prop forwards.
"For the first time since I've been at the club we've actually got some space in our salary cap to bring some new blood in," coach Brian Smith said.
Certainly, Smith could hardly have been any more enthusiastic about Riddell's signing.
"I see Mark joining us as one of the best and biggest moments of my career because I think he's got so much to offer to our team and our club".
"Everybody knows what Mark brings to the table for us, everybody knows Mark's flamboyant and extroverted style. He's a guy with lots of strings to his bow."
Asked if Smith's emphasis on discipline would make it a problem to coach the free-spirited Riddell, Smith said he had coached all types of different players over the last 20 years and he couldn't foresee any problems.
Meanwhile, Riddell said he was looking forward to going to work for his coach.
"I'm looking forward to working with Brian [Smith]. I've got a few mates over here who I spoke to before I made my decision and I'm very happy with the decision I've made.
Riddell said that Parramatta was very "professional" and had a great core of players with the likes of Cayless, Hindmarsh, Vella and Wagon.
"With the addition of a few more players there are going to be plenty of good times ahead with the club."
