It's been dubbed "the interview that killed Chris Sandow's career", but the enigmatic halfback initially denied he made the controversial comments that cost him any chance of a new contract at Parramatta. Eels coach Brad Arthur confronted Sandow on Thursday morning about our story, in which he claimed: "If he lets me play how I want to play, we'll win more games." Sandow looked Arthur in the eye and and claimed he had never said those words and that he was taken out of context. The only problem for Sandow was the interview was recorded. In order to clear up the matter, the interview - all 10 minutes of it - was played down the line to the Eels, who agreed he was quoted verbatim and that the story was an accurate representation of what transpired. Arthur himself heard the recording and again confronted Sandow, who had no comeback. The pair are going to have to hug it out and move forward - salary cap restraints will likely prevent Arthur from dropping Sandow back down to feeder team Wentworthville and calling up his preferred option of Luke Kelly. There have been suggestions Sandow could be heading to the Gold Coast - it won't be happening. The Titans are interested in Trent Hodkinson and James Maloney, but suggestions either is a done deal are off the mark. They are yet to table an offer to any half since Daly Cherry-Evans backflipped.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Toovey for national team
Geoff Toovey is shaping as an ideal candidate to take over as Kangaroos coach when - and it appears it's only a matter of time - he is punted by Manly.
Tim Sheens has compiled a reasonable record since taking over the national side but a third straight loss to New Zealand, which resulted in Australia losing its No.1 world ranking, will likely cost him the chance to lead Australia to the 2017 World Cup. Officials are in the process of deciding whether to make the Kangaroos head coaching position a full-time one but, either way, it appears certain State of Origin coaches won't be considered. Terry Fearnley was the last man to double as a state and national coach and powerbrokers don't want a repeat of the selection dramas during his tenure. With no obvious candidate available, Toovey would be the ideal man to take over. "Toovs" is himself a former Kangaroos player, has an outstanding record at club level and would be reluctant to coach against the Sea Eagles given his love of the club. He will also have the advantage of not having being involved at club level when he is cut loose. The move would also allow him to continue to work alongside Australian selector Bob Fulton, who is also a consultant to the Sea Eagles. Penrith assistant Trent Barrett is ready to take over at Manly, but the club faces a backlash over the treatment of a favourite son.
Eye on Slater
While no one at Melbourne will ever admit it, there are concerns Billy Slater is putting his Origin ambitions before the club. It is a precarious position for the Storm - Slater is off contract at the end of the year and there are serious concerns about his shoulder. Everybody wants to see the champion fullback finish his career a one-club man but the new CEO, who will be announced this week, will have the challenge of paying Slater due respect and money, while also protecting the Storm from paying overs for a man who could be sidelined for extended periods.
Rod for wrestling Ross
Ben Ross has had a 10-centimetre rod inserted in his arm to repair the horrific injury he suffered arm wrestling Wendell Sailor on The Footy Show.
The former Queensland prop broke his arm in three places trying to raise money for the Men of League foundation, including a serious spiral break that will keep him out of action for at least two months. It is yet another setback for one of league's nice guys, who also has had to bounce back from a broken neck. Men of League chief executive Corene Strauss initially thought Ross and Sailor were playing a joke on the audience when the incident first happened, but soon realised it was no hoax when she heard Ross' blood-curdling scream.
"He goes so far out on a limb to help people and that's what makes him such a special part of the team and why we are so distressed," she said.
More poll fallout
The infamous Parramatta Leagues Club elections are over, but the fallout continues. Two candidates who were unsuccessful at the polls had their memberships suspended during the week.
Take a shower
It's hard to believe, given the price of beverages at ANZ Stadium, that a punter would be silly enough to throw them at a rival fan. But that's what happened on Friday night in Wests Tigers' upset win over South Sydney. There were suggestions of a potential bottle-throwing incident, the last thing the game needs after the events of Black Friday. However, it was a case of one imbecile showering another fan with liquid gold during proceedings, resulting in an early exit.
On war footing
If you think NSW-Queensland clashes are fiery, strap yourself in for the Russia-Ukraine derby scheduled for neutral territory in Belgrade on July 4. Given the stoush between the nation's leaders, emotions will be high at Makis Stadium.
Dragons disconnected
The outstanding form of St George Illawarra isn't the only reason members of the Save Our Saints crew haven't been as vocal of late. One of the gripes of Dragons supporters has been that there is a disconnect between the club and its loyal followers, but steps have been taken to remedy this. The inaugural meeting of the Members Advisory Forum took place on Monday, with 18 member representatives involved in a discussion led by CEO Peter Doust. While the "Oust Doust" chants will inevitably again reach fever pitch when the Red V suffer a run of losses, members have an outlet that allows them to be heard.
Out of his league?
Marwan Koukash's slim chances of owning an NRL club are dashed after reports more players and staff aren't getting paid at Salford. We revealed recently that Tony Puletua was out of pocket to the tune of almost 50,000 pounds and there are fresh claims from the Old Dart that some staff are on strike after not being paid. After the Nathan Tinkler debacle, the NRL is wary of handing clubs over to self-made millionaires with a penchant for horses.
Assembly of best
Laurie Daley, Michael Maguire, Jason Taylor and Ivan Cleary are special guests at one of the best line-ups ever assembled for a sportsman's lunch. The big-name coaches will be joined by MC Billy Moore and comedian Vince Sorrenti at the North Sydney Bears sportsman's lunch next Friday. There aren't many tickets left, so if you want to hear from the best brains in the business go to trybooking.com/132078 to book a seat.
Morris enjoys himself
Canterbury star Brett Morris certainly enjoyed playing against former club St George Illawarra for the first time last weekend.
"I sent a couple of messages, but I didn't really receive any back," Morris said. "A couple of their boys were trying non-stop to find out if I was playing or not. They were trying to get the inside but I was stirring them up. I made sure I wore the same boots as Josh so if they wanted to get me they could've got him too."
Cronk the target
Now that the marquee signing rule has been introduced, Cooper Cronk is fast becoming a target for Super League clubs. Warrington is understood to be the latest English outfit interested amid concerns half Richie Myler could be coming this way.
Tiger women roar
Wests Tigers' Women's Initiative was launched last week to honour the contribution of its female supporters. The venture aims to broaden the club's fan base and create new corporate opportunities.
