Hagan to coach Eels

[Granty]

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200601/s1552631.htm

Hagan to coach Eels

Dumped Newcastle coach Michael Hagan has been picked up by rival National Rugby League outfit Parramatta on a three-year deal.

Hagan will join the club for the 2007 season, after his contract with the Knights is complete.

Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said the club wanted to avoid further speculation on the matter.

"The announcement has been made now to end the ongoing speculation in regard to the coaching position next year," he said in a statement.

"It will also enable Michael to play an active role in recruitment for the 2007 season.

"The Board and management are totally committed to (current coach) Brian Smith and the players for the 2006 season, and every possible resource will be provided to ensure Brian's tenth year is a successful one.

"The timing also allows Michael to fully concentrate his efforts on his final year with the Newcastle Knights, without the added speculation on his future."

[Granty]

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,17902726-23214,00.html

Hagan signs three-year Eels deal

January 22, 2006

PARRAMATTA has signed Newcastle coach Michael Hagan to a three-year contract from the beginning of the 2007 NRL season.

One of the NRL's worst kept secrets, Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said talks with Hagan had been going on for "some time".

"The announcement has been made now to end the ongoing speculation in regard to the coaching position next year," Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"It will also enable Michael to play an active role in recruitment for the 2007 season."

Current Parramatta coach Brian Smith was told in November that his 10 years at the Eels' helm would not be extended beyond the 2006 season.

Hagan got the same news from the Knights less than two weeks ago after informing Newcastle he had received an offer from another NRL club.

Hagan led Newcastle to a grand final win over the heavily favoured Eels in 2001, his first year as a first grade coach, but also presided over consecutive State of Origin series losses for Queensland in 2004 and 2005.

Smith took the Eels to the minor premiership last season before his side missed the grand final when it crashed out to underdogs North Queensland.

"The Board and Management are totally committed to Brian Smith and the players for the 2006 season, and every possible resource will be provided to ensure Brian's 10th year is a successful one," Fitzgerald added.

Smith's assistant and former Manly mentor Peter Sharp is favoured to take the reins at Newcastle.