The rumour has been gathering momentum this week, that prized Eels recruit Justin Poore has allegedly told close friends he isn’t happy at Parramatta.
Thats easy to understand given the fact that Parramatta is 1 win from 4 starts and struggling to find 2010 season form. Since fellow recruit Shane Shackleton was outed for what looks like most of the season, even more of the spotlight has fallen on Poore – with the high priced recruit feeling plenty of pressure.
Eels coach Daniel Anderson has at times started Poore from the bench, allowing Cayless and Moi Moi to start in the engine room. A move that would have dented the confidence of the new-recruit. Fellow front rower and club captain Nathan Cayless has also felt his share of the pressure at the club, with the media baying for his blood.
There may have been some warning bells during the pre-season, with Poore suggesting to friends that commuting and training in the West was something he wasn’t fond of – given his heritage along the Southern Beaches.
When Poore was looking for a new club, the fact that Wayne Bennett wasn’t keen to pay overs for the Origin bookend should have been a warning sign to other clubs. The former Dragons prop certainly has ability – but living up to the big price tag consistently looks like it might be taking it’s toll on the forward.
What would help the Poore and other team mates under the microscope would be to notch up some wins and obtain some sort of consistency over at Parramatta. Its not just Poore and Cayless being spoken of, the non-renewal of contracts surrounding other players have also been mentioned at the Eels.
Even club boss Paul Osborne took the liberty of addressing the Poore rumour, suggesting he confronted the prop about concerns – but was assured it was just speculation at this stage, with Poore telling the CEO he is happy as is. The Eels face the Raiders at home in Monday Night Football tomorrow.