Parramatta's attempts to recruit Luke Lewis hampered by grudge with Chris Anderson
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
July 20, 2012 12:00AM
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PARRAMATTA'S bid for Luke Lewis has been severely handicapped because of the representative star's long-term grudge against coaching director Chris Anderson.
Lewis hasn't forgiven Anderson for not playing him on the 2003 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain, which wrapped up with the controversial selection of veteran utility Darren Smith.
Lewis was left out in favour of the 34-year-old journeyman, who was plucked from the UK Super League to deputise on the wing in the dead-rubber third Test.
"Luke was filthy about not playing on that tour, but that was the final straw," a Panthers source said. "He still hasn't forgiven Anderson and I'd find it hard to see them both at the same club."
Parramatta have lost three straight since head coach Steve Kearney appointed Anderson late last month.
Results were always going to dictate whether the combination survived beyond this season because Anderson is only contracted for the next couple of months. A board meeting in two weeks' time now shapes as D-day.
Speculation linking Ricky Stuart to the Eels has hushed in recent weeks, but there's been a renewed push to convince directors to think again.
Sacked Bradford coach Mick Potter and Roosters assistant Jason Taylor are the other contenders. Stuart, however, would be the coach who could convince Lewis to join a rebuilding club after the pair's relationship went to another level during the Origin series.
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WHILE Anderson might have been a drawback, Parramatta made Lewis the most attractive offer in terms of money and work post-career.
The Eels were happy to extend a four-year deal worth $2 million and also the option to stay on as a strength and conditioning coach.
But Wests Tigers and Cronulla were always going to be Lewis's top options, given his friendships with respective skippers Robbie Farah and Paul Gallen.
While Lewis was sprung looking at property in the Shire on Wednesday, his house hunt in Sydney's inner west the previous evening was a much better-kept secret.
Tigers officials guided Lewis through the new apartment complex in riverside Chiswick that accommodates several players as well as coach Tim Sheens. We're even told Lewis was shown the apartment belonging to the man he is being targeted to replace - English enforcer Gareth Ellis - as a prime example of living arrangements in Tiger Town.
Another forgotten asset for the Tigers is assistant coach Steve Georgallis, whose departure from Penrith sparked tremendous unrest among senior players such as Lewis.
The 28-year-old made no secret of the fact that he wanted to play under Georgallis long-term and now it's a very real possibility, albeit in different colours.
Wests, however, do not have the cap space to match Cronulla's offer for next season. Both four-year deals are roughly equal in the long run, but Lewis will have to take a $60,000 pay cut for 2013 if he choses the Tigers over Sharks.