Arthur can't get rid of Sandow
New Eels coach Brad Arthur has suffered a setback before he has even walked in the doors of Parramatta HQ. The Eels have been hoping to offload high-priced and high maintenance halfback Chris Sandow for 2014 to English club Salford. The club is being bankrolled by a British millionaire, Dr Marwan Koukash, and the Reds were interested in Sandow. But Salford has decided to spend up big on former NRL halves Rangi Chase and Tim Smith, ending the Eels' hopes of punting Sandow. The Parramatta players are delighted the board performed a late backflip to give the job to Arthur, the Manly assistant coach. Star fullback Jarryd Hayne pushed hard for Arthur, while prize recruit Will Hopoate was talking of walking out on his deal if Jason Taylor got the job.
Taylor the control freak
Why did Taylor miss out on the job at the last minute? My Parra spies tell me the former star halfback wanted too much control at the Eels across a variety of areas. In the end, the board decided Arthur, who filled in as caretaker coach when Steve Kearney was punted 12 months ago, was a safer option. As you may have read, Arthur had given up on the role when the board appeared certain to give the job to Taylor - so much so that he jumped on a plane to Bali and is there for the next week holidaying with his family.
Hoffman to Bulldogs?
I tipped readers this time last week that the Broncos were set to sign Sharks speedster Stewart Mills and Dragons utility Daniel Vidot. Both signed days later but their acquisition strengthens the likelihood of talented fullback Josh Hoffman leaving the club. With Ben Barba, Vidot and Mills all coming on board, the Broncos have a glut of outside backs. Hoffman, who has stood out at fullback over the last couple of seasons, is known to be upset that the club bought Barba to fill his spot. Hoffman is being hunted by the Bulldogs to replace Barba and the mail is he will come to terms soon.
SBW's poor form
Several members of the Kiwi camp are still baffled by Sonny Bill Williams' late inclusion in the World Cup squad at the expense of luckless Storm forward Tohu Harris. I have learned that Kiwi coach Steve Kearney spoke to SBW day before the team was chosen - and the Roosters superstar confirmed that he was not available. The decision to dump Harris after he was given the call-up has left a sour taste in many people's mouths, and rightly so - it was very shabby.