Poore is very happy at Eels, says CEO
By David Beniuk AAP Thu, 13 May 2010 18:58:02
Parramatta CEO Paul Osborne is adamant prop Justin Poore is going nowhere.
Rumours the former St George Illawarra star is unhappy at the Eels after signing a lucrative three-year deal have followed Poore since his off-season move.
The latest report suggested Canterbury were looking to lure the 25-year-old, who played in all three State of Origin games for NSW last year.
Osborne said Poore had been concerned about the form that has kept him on the Parramatta bench, but has fitted into the NRL club's system.
"I'm pretty good mates with Justin, I've know him for a long time and had a chat with him," Osborne told AAP on Thursday.
"He wasn't playing great at the start, taking a little bit of time adjusting, but I think his form's been really good the last few weeks and he's certainly very happy.
"We won't be letting him go so I'm looking forward to him being here for the next three years at least."
Osborne denied other clubs had been circling Poore, who copped another disappointment this week when he was voted the NRL's most over-rated player in a poll of his peers.
"We've all had a laugh," Eels co-captain Nathan Hindmarsh said.
"Poorey's had a laugh about it so in the big scheme of things those kinds of things mean nothing.
"It doesn't take much to fire Poorey up, he'll be ready (for Monday night's game against Manly) whether or not he's in that player's poll."
Meanwhile, Osborne will sit down with Kris Keating's manager David Riolo next week with the aim of extending the in-form half's contract.
And the Eels will also begin looking to fill the holes that will be left by the departure of star duo Feleti Mateo and Krisnan Inu to the Warriors next year.
"We've upgraded Jarryd (Hayne) and Daniel Mortimer and a few others so it's always a balancing act when it comes to the salary cap," Osborne said.
"Certainly it takes some pressure off next year but it doesn't leave us a lot and we've got some holes to fill."
