Eels put their faith in ex- Tiger
FORMER Wests Tigers premiership winner Mark O’Neill has been handed the challenge of revitalising Parramatta after being appointed football manager for the NRL wooden spooners.
O’Neill was handed the role after an independent review of the Eels’ football department following a woeful 2018 season that included just six wins. O’Neill has taken the Eels job after resigning as Wests Tigers general manager in late 2016 following misconduct allegations.
Eels chief executive Bernie Gurr said O’Neill would begin his new role on November 1.
It is believed the review found key areas of the football department needed more resources and junior pathways and talent identification had to be urgently addressed.
“Mark has over 20 years of elite NRL experience and, importantly, has worked at senior executive level in sports administration for over 10 years,” Gurr said in a statement.
“Mark will be working very closely with our head coach Brad Arthur.”
The Eels said there were more than 80 applicants for the job and nine contenders were believed to be interviewed.
O’Neill played 223 NRL games for Balmain and Wests Tigers, featuring in the 2005 premiership.
Since his retirement in 2007, O’Neill has worked in sport administration including time at Wests Tigers.