Scrutinised NRL coaches show solidarity
NRL coaches have come out swinging in support of their besieged rivals after open season on the code's mentors appeared to have extended to North Queensland's Neil Henry.
Parramatta coach Daniel Anderson, has been under scrutiny since it was revealed last Friday that Eels chief executive Paul Osborne had met with Melbourne assistant coach Stephen Kearney about potentially replacing the man who took the team to the grand final last year.
Anderson, who was also left out of discussions about the potential signing of Quade Cooper, found two unlikely allies in Penrith coach Matthew Elliott and West Tigers' Tim Sheens.
The former Warriors and St Helens coach was finally reassured of his future on Wednesday when Eels chairman Roy Spagnolo said Anderson would see out the last year of his contract.
Both Sheens and Elliott are well accustomed to the pressure of being under the spotlight, with the veteran Tigers coach told at the start of the season he would be axed if his side failed to make the finals again.
Elliott's neck was also on the line two years ago, after a series of defeats left his job hanging by a thread before winning over the board and securing a new contract last season.
"I think all coaches get their turn to feel the heat and although I wouldn't say I feel sympathy but certainly empathy, and I am pleased they have stuck by Daniel, he is a fine coach," Elliott told AAP.
"I am quite sure that their decision to keep Daniel in there for next season will be rewarded.
"As a coach when you are under the pump you just have to get on with it, do what you do and keep believing in yourself.
"I know Daniel reasonably well and we all deal with similar issues affecting us and I know what he is going through but he is strong enough to cope."
Sheens refused to be drawn on the role of the Parramatta board's treatment of Anderson, but said there should be no doubts about his ability.
"Daniel can coach, everyone knows Daniel can coach, he got them to a grand final last year," Sheens said.
"He has taken the Warriors to a grand final and he has had success in England.
"Whether or not he is a round peg in a square hole is only something Parramatta can decide, but there is absolutely no doubt he can coach.
"You don't just stop coaching, but pressures from within a club mean you can be in the right place at the right time."
Henry, who has been at the helm for two highly unproductive years with the Cowboys, will meet with North Queensland officials on Friday with club chairman Laurence Lancini refusing to guarantee anyone's position at the club.
It's understood Henry's five-year deal includes a clause to terminate the final year should he fail to get to the finals in four seasons.
While the Cowboys have again been ravaged by injury and suspension, their return of just five wins from 21 games could lead to an explosive board meeting.
The pressure was evident this week when Peter Parr was contacted about his position at the club and the looming board meeting.
"Who told you there was a board meeting on Friday?" he steamed.
"Whoever told you is going to be in big trouble."
Meanwhile on Thursday, South Sydney re-signed veteran fullback Rhys Wesser for another season.
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