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Entrenched Eddie moves forward
c/o Rugby Heaven,
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Reds coach Eddie Jones has wasted little time in ramping up his retention of the exciting forward pack he hopes will reward his decision to stay at Ballymore.
Jones is working overtime to keep a full pack of Wallabies which come off contract with Queensland this season after yesterday giving them the stability they were craving.
The last-placed side are poised to re-sign veteran back-rowers John Roe and David Croft the heartbeat of the otherwise young team in the coming days, and may also snaffle Western Force winger Digby Ioane on Tuesday.
Its rising stars Hugh McMeniman, Greg Holmes, Stephen Moore, James Horwill and Mitch Chapman who are the lifeblood of a province which last enjoyed a semi-finals finish in 2001, are the men the QRU wants most.
Jones allayed fears the embattled Reds would have to search for a sixth coach in eight years by heeding a compromise solution from the QRUon Monday.
Reportedly set to resign or be sacked last week, the former Wallabies coach has given an undertaking to see out the 2007 and 2008 Super 14s.
QRU boss Ken Freer was immensely relieved with the decision and happily allowed him the freedom of next year deciding whether to stay on for the final year of his three-season deal in 2009.
"I came here with a goal and a very major responsibility and hopefully when I leave I would have fulfilled some of those objectives," said Jones, who staunchly believes the Reds can go from bottom to top in quick time.
"There was never any intention to leave Queensland in the lurch.
"I'm really looking forward to continuing what I started.
Jones, who has a teenage daughter in high school, cited family reasons as key to his deliberations after also receiving interest from Japan and English club Saracens.
Croft spelt out the importance of Jones' commitment, saying players had been hanging out for the decision which will make re-signing smoother.
"It's so important to us, the tireless flanker said. I've been with him since 2002 (for the Wallabies) and he's the best coach I've had.
"Just his knowledge and ability to take this young side on is vital for the years to come - even if he's here for only another year - that will be the base for years ahead.
Jones predicted a solution to McMeniman's problem after the lock allowed a contract deadline to pass but put heat on the ARU to deliver a better contracting system.
"Everything's just getting pushed earlier and earlier, we'll be finishing contracting for the next year soon even before the season's started the way were going," he said.
The Reds fear McMeniman, 23, eying big-money offers overseas, may leave for a season or two after this year's World Cup with the view he can return to Australia well in time to play more Test rugby before the 2011 World Cup.
McMeniman will make his return from ankle injury on Saturday against the Sharks who coach Dick Muir says face a stern test of character after consecutive losses to the Brumbies and Force.
Jones joked he could make his first selection since round four with Clinton Schifcofske (hand) and Andrew Brown (ribs) also set to return from injury and off-contract hooker Sean Hardman and playmaker Berrick Barnes also outside chances to return.
AAP