Angry Parramatta skipper Tim Mannah has expressed frustration that the club is again in the spotlight for off-field dramas with the revelation that Kieran Foran could walk out on his deal with the Eels.
Less than a fortnight after CEO Scott Seward departed, the Eels’ fifth CEO in as many years, it came to light that new signing Foran could turn his back on Parramatta after attempts were made by the club to alter the terms of his contract.
Parramatta released a statement on Monday claiming the board was unaware of two clauses inserted into Foran’s deal that were negotiated by former CEO Seward.
“The Eels have been working with the NRL and Kieran Foran’s management on two clauses within his contract that were previously undisclosed to the board and senior football management,” said the club in their statement.
“The discussions have been productive and it is the club’s understanding that issues surrounding these clauses can be resolved.”
Mannah said he was annoyed at once again having to discuss non-football matters with the press.
“The frustrating thing is we’re spending time again focusing on things outside of footy,” Mannah said.
“It’d be nice to just come here and talk about the positive result we had against Melbourne, talk about the rest we had on the weekend, how fresh we’re feeling now and how we can prepare and hopefully get back-to-back wins this week.
“The frustrating thing is we’re not talking about that.
“We’re talking about off-field things and what management could’ve done and what’s happening over there.”
The Eels veteran said the team was surprised by the news Foran could pull the pin on his deal, but was in no mood to discuss how the backflip would impact the club’s future.
“It’ll be a huge loss of energy to focus so much on it,” he said.
“For us, it’s business as usual.
“If we focus so much on what could happen and what could possibly happen next year, I feel we’re wasting a lot of energy … when we could be focusing our energy on playing footy and preparing well.”
Mannah also confirmed that hooker Nathan Peats (knee) and fullback Reece Robinson (cheekbone) will be unavailable for selection for Saturday night’s clash with St George Illawarra.
“Peatsy got a cleanout, four days ago. He’s training today in the gym and he looks to be doing well,” he said.
“I don’t know exactly how long a recovery it is, but it isn’t an ACL. It’s not a long-term injury.
“Reecey’s could be a bit longer. He’s got a few fractures in his face.
“I don’t think they’re going to operate on it, but he’ll be out for a little while.”
