Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says he is concerned over the well-being of Michael Gordon after the Cronulla Sharks reportedly blocked the veteran’s mid-season move to the Eels.
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Gordon is believed to have walked out on the Sharks on Tuesday after the Eels reportedly backflipped on its decision to allow him to join the Parramatta Eels.
The Sharks slammed media reports, saying Gordon had not walked out on the club.
“Contrary to media reports which have appeared today Michael Gordon has not ‘walked out’ on the Cronulla Sharks,” the statement read.
“In consultation with the club early this morning Michael was given leave from training in order to address some personal matters.
“His non-attendance at training, which was an informal team activity at a nearby indoor sports centre, was not unexpected by the Cronulla club and coaching staff.”
However, Arthur said he has since spoken to Gordon, saying he was “struggling” to deal with the issue.
“I called him a couple of days ago just to make sure he was okay,” Arthur is quoted as saying by AAP.
“I just wanted to reassure him that if he can make the move over here, we’re still willing to have him. But my main concern was that he was not in a good headspace.
“He said he’s struggling a little bit. But he’s a pretty strong kid in the dealings I’ve had with him. I think he’ll be okay.”
Gordon is believed to have wanted to join the Eels as they offered him a deal for 2016, something the Sharks could not offer to the long-serving fullback.
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