Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor plotting his revenge on Parramatta Eels
DateApril 1, 2015 - 3:18PM
Adrian Proszenko
Parramatta were so far down the track in negotiations to appoint Jason Taylor as head coach that the club's media department interviewed him on video about his plans for the blue and golds.
That footage, shot in October 2013, was likely destroyed when, in an incredible backflip, the Eels pulled their offer and opted for Brad Arthur instead. The clip, now a collector's item, highlights not only how fickle is the business of rugby league but also adds wonderful theatre to the Easter Monday clash between the Eels and the Wests Tigers
Taylor had agreed to terms with the Eels and a press release was drafted to trumpet his return following stints as a player and interim head coach at the then wooden spooners. But a contract wasn't signed and the release never sent after Arthur was instead given the gig. For Taylor, it meant remaining an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Roosters until joining the Tigers as head coach in the off-season.
All parties appear happy with how matters have worked out but there was plenty of angst at the time as the Eels went through one of the messiest coaching appointments in the game's history
Taylor, who is plotting the downfall of the club that sacked him in the blockbuster encounter at ANZ Stadium, wasn't buying into the dramas.
"On this one, I don't have a comment," Taylor said.
But the Tigers clearly believe Parramatta's loss is their gain and are delighted with the progress the club has shown since his appointment.
"I was certainly aware that Jason was in very close discussions with the Eels well before he was on our radar," said Tigers CEO Grant Mayer.
"From our point of view, everything he talked about in his interview process has been clearly seen in the first four rounds of the competition.
"The focus on our defence and his focus on allowing our young halves and fullback to prosper in his structure is quite evident to all.
"Last year proved we can get 56,000 people to [the corresponding] club game. I'd be disappointed if we didn't see similar numbers in 2015\. The fact he's coached at Parramatta before and is now a Wests Tiger adds to a bit of the theatre to the game."
Parramatta chief executive Scott Seward added: "It's no secret that we were a long way down the path with Jason, but we're extremely happy with Brad and we see him as our long-term coach.
"Clearly the Wests Tigers are very happy and Jason is very happy there. There are no grudges from our end, that's for sure."
Both Sydney clubs have a huge following but their supporter bases have had little to cheer about in recent years. However, both have shown promising signs in 2015 and will be looking to cement places in the top eight at the other's expense on Monday.
Taylor, who coached Parramatta to an unlikely finals appearance after taking over from Brian Smith midway through 2006, said his former club posed a formidable challenge.
"They were great last week," Taylor said of the emphatic victory over premiers South Sydney.
"In the two games that they've won, they've been really impressive. They've played some great footy and are moving the ball around.
"Their halves are playing well and their forward pack is strong, they're in good form.
"They are clearly playing a very aggressive style of footy and matching them in the forwards is clearly going to be a challenge for every team that plays them."
With the Easter Show next door and free transport for ticketholders, officials are hoping for a crowd of 50,000\. Taylor predicted the 3pm kick-off time would be conducive to expansive football.
"It makes the game more appealing, the fans and players like afternoon football," he said.
"Footy on an Easter Monday afternoon, everyone at our club is looking forward to it. It all adds up to what should be a good afternoon."
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wests-tigers-coach-jason-taylor-plotting-his-revenge-on-parramatta-eels-20150401-1mcjr5.html
DateApril 1, 2015 - 3:18PM
Adrian Proszenko
Parramatta were so far down the track in negotiations to appoint Jason Taylor as head coach that the club's media department interviewed him on video about his plans for the blue and golds.
That footage, shot in October 2013, was likely destroyed when, in an incredible backflip, the Eels pulled their offer and opted for Brad Arthur instead. The clip, now a collector's item, highlights not only how fickle is the business of rugby league but also adds wonderful theatre to the Easter Monday clash between the Eels and the Wests Tigers
Taylor had agreed to terms with the Eels and a press release was drafted to trumpet his return following stints as a player and interim head coach at the then wooden spooners. But a contract wasn't signed and the release never sent after Arthur was instead given the gig. For Taylor, it meant remaining an assistant to Trent Robinson at the Roosters until joining the Tigers as head coach in the off-season.
All parties appear happy with how matters have worked out but there was plenty of angst at the time as the Eels went through one of the messiest coaching appointments in the game's history
Taylor, who is plotting the downfall of the club that sacked him in the blockbuster encounter at ANZ Stadium, wasn't buying into the dramas.
"On this one, I don't have a comment," Taylor said.
But the Tigers clearly believe Parramatta's loss is their gain and are delighted with the progress the club has shown since his appointment.
"I was certainly aware that Jason was in very close discussions with the Eels well before he was on our radar," said Tigers CEO Grant Mayer.
"From our point of view, everything he talked about in his interview process has been clearly seen in the first four rounds of the competition.
"The focus on our defence and his focus on allowing our young halves and fullback to prosper in his structure is quite evident to all.
"Last year proved we can get 56,000 people to [the corresponding] club game. I'd be disappointed if we didn't see similar numbers in 2015\. The fact he's coached at Parramatta before and is now a Wests Tiger adds to a bit of the theatre to the game."
Parramatta chief executive Scott Seward added: "It's no secret that we were a long way down the path with Jason, but we're extremely happy with Brad and we see him as our long-term coach.
"Clearly the Wests Tigers are very happy and Jason is very happy there. There are no grudges from our end, that's for sure."
Both Sydney clubs have a huge following but their supporter bases have had little to cheer about in recent years. However, both have shown promising signs in 2015 and will be looking to cement places in the top eight at the other's expense on Monday.
Taylor, who coached Parramatta to an unlikely finals appearance after taking over from Brian Smith midway through 2006, said his former club posed a formidable challenge.
"They were great last week," Taylor said of the emphatic victory over premiers South Sydney.
"In the two games that they've won, they've been really impressive. They've played some great footy and are moving the ball around.
"Their halves are playing well and their forward pack is strong, they're in good form.
"They are clearly playing a very aggressive style of footy and matching them in the forwards is clearly going to be a challenge for every team that plays them."
With the Easter Show next door and free transport for ticketholders, officials are hoping for a crowd of 50,000\. Taylor predicted the 3pm kick-off time would be conducive to expansive football.
"It makes the game more appealing, the fans and players like afternoon football," he said.
"Footy on an Easter Monday afternoon, everyone at our club is looking forward to it. It all adds up to what should be a good afternoon."
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wests-tigers-coach-jason-taylor-plotting-his-revenge-on-parramatta-eels-20150401-1mcjr5.html
