Parramatta Eels

Norman happy with Hayne homecoming

Speaking from the Eels’ pre-season camp in Alice Springs, Norman backed the club’s decision to sign Hayne and is confident the guidance of coach Brad Arthur will provide the one-time Parramatta poster boy with the ideal environment to rediscover his mojo.

“I got the opportunity to play with him in 2014 and had a great year that year,” Norman told NRL.com after training in the Northern Territory.

“I know he hasn’t had the best 18 months ... but I think he’s coming back here to really get a bit of credibility back. He’s only on a one-year deal and he did take a big pay cut.

No guarantees for King as Kaysa waits

King has been an important and underrated performer of Parramatta's charge to a top four finish, being on the winning team in eight of his nine games for the club and quickly graduating to an 80-minute role.

Eels clinch thrilling win over Tigers

The inaugural Stay Kind Cup, supporting the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, was a frantic and end-to-end affair right through the 80 minutes.

The Tigers led 12-10 at one stage halfway through the second half on the back of three straight penalty goals despite trailing two tries to one, but their conservatism eventually proved costly as a 77th-minute Corey Norman field goal edged the enterprising Eels in front for a win that moves them to 26 competition points and possibly needing just two wins from their final six matches to seal a finals berth.

Radradra had to go but keen to return

After much back-and-forth with his club, Radradra eventually decided his future lay in French rugby, signing a lucrative one-year deal with Toulon with an option in his favour for a second year.

But Radradra hopes to return and become a long-term Eel and with the northern rugby finals finishing mid-year, he could technically come back before the June 30 deadline in 2018 or, failing that, be on board for the 2019 NRL pre-season.

"I would love to come back here, to come back and play rugby league again after [France]," Radradra said.

Eels admit their heads weren't in the game

Looking to become the first Parramatta team to win their first three games of the season in almost 25 years, the Eels shot out of the blocks to lead by 12 points after just 17 minutes yet could only add a solitary penalty goal to their score over the next 63 minutes of the game.

Arthur tips Eels improvement after tough win

An opening round 20-12 win over Manly at their home ground is a pretty good way to start a season for any NRL club but if you've been paying any attention to Arthur in his time at the club you won't be surprised that he isn't exactly getting carried away just yet.

Eels 2017 NRL Fantasy guide

Fantasy gun

Brett Kimmorley joins Parramatta Eels

Kimmorley, who has coached with Canterbury, Canberra, Wests Tigers and took the head coach gig at Western Suburbs in the Illawarra Coal League last year, will work with Corey Norman and Clint Gutherson for their 2017 campaign.

Fairfax Media reports Kimmorley has been brought in to assist the incumbent playmakers while Troy Dargan and Michael Doolan may also get a shot in first grade.

Kimmorley won a premiership with the Melbourne Storm and represented Australia and New South Wales in his playing career.

 

Semi Radradra staying at Parramatta Eels

Radradra had been given permission by the club to fly to Fiji for a short family visit during the bye round, with media reports claiming the player had told the club he would not be coming back.

But in a club statement, the Eels say Radradra will be returning to prepare for the team's next game against the Sharks, with the star back remaining with Parramatta through to 2017.

Wicks on track after shoulder surgery

Having missed five seasons following drug trafficking charges, the former Dragon and Knight's trimmed-down frame helped him to an impressive NRL comeback in 2015 before a shoulder injury ended his season in Round 19 after 16 appearances.

Wicks told NRL.com he'd be ready to resume contact work when the side returns after the Christmas break having been hampered throughout 2015.

"Yeah it's going really well actually. Everything's on schedule," he said.