Leader takes the brunt of the criticism as his side falls to their ninth loss of the year.
Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart did not shy from the fact it was he who was responsible for telling 12 current players they were not needed in 2014.
The turmoil at the club this week did not get any better as they were beaten for the ninth time in 13 games this NRL season, after begin thumped by the Sydney Roosters 38-24 at home.
Despite showing signs of fighting through adversity, the Eels were no match for the competition heavyweights when they chose to find a higher gear.
The fallout of the dozen players being tapped on the shoulder saw veteran Reni Maitua sit out from playing the Roosters, such was the emotion in the Eels’ camp before the game.
Very proud of the effort by the boys. Sorry to disappoint the fans for not playing. Don’t expect u 2 understand but it was best 4 the team
— reni maitua (@renimaitua) June 7, 2013
My decision was personal and certainly not in protest of recent events. I respect the club immensely. Looking 4ward to playin out the yr 🙂
— reni maitua (@renimaitua) June 7, 2013
Stuart said he admired Maitua’s courage for sitting out the game, but said it was a decision that had to be made for the long-term benefit of the club.
“He’s different to the other blokes, because I’ve known Reni for a long time,” Stuart said. “He’s at the back end of his career.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Reni, so we’ll sit down and chat.
“It’s no good playing if you don’t have your heart in it.”
As for the other players who will be moved on next season, Stuart said it was not a personal decision just it was the first of several hard decisions that had to be made, exactly the reason why he was employed at the embattled club.
“It has not been something I enjoy doing,” Stuart said.
“There’s never any credit or positive vibe out of it. They are all decent young men and I hope they can move on and find a structure and roster around them.
“At the moment I’ve not got the roster to suit certain players.
“That’s the job of a coach.”
At training on Wednesday this week the players were split into three groups, yes, no and maybe.
Maitua, hooker Matt Keating, Matt Ryan and Willie Tonga were all classified as maybes – players who could still be retained should their form improve.
Cheyse Blair, Daniel Harrison, Luke Kelly, Ben Roberts, Ben Smith, Pat O’Hanlon and Nathan Smith were all told there was no future at the Eels beyond this year.
The news got worse for the Eels and their fans after their game with the Roosters, with star fullback Jarryd Hayne not finishing the game due to a hamstring injury, which could see him out for an extended period.
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